Jan attended Vanderbilt University, where he played college basketball for the Commodores. During his time at Vanderbilt, he developed a reputation as a skilled forward, known for his height and agility on the court. His college performance caught the attention of professional scouts, leading to his selection in the 1974 NBA Draft.
The Portland Trail Blazers picked van Breda Kolff in the second round of the draft. However, he did not play for the Trail Blazers, as he opted to begin his professional career in the American Basketball Association (ABA) with the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets were one of the ABA's stronger teams, and Jan's presence added depth to their roster. His time with the Nuggets was marked by steady performances, contributing to the team's competitive edge in the league.
Following the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, van Breda Kolff transitioned to the NBA along with the Nuggets. He continued to play for Denver until 1977, when he was traded to the Kentucky Colonels. However, the Colonels were disbanded as part of the merger, and Jan found himself moving to the New York Nets, who had also joined the NBA from the ABA.
With the Nets, van Breda Kolff played alongside stars like Julius Erving, further honing his skills and adapting to the evolving style of play in the NBA. His tenure with the Nets lasted until 1979, after which he joined the New Orleans Jazz. The Jazz, later relocating to Utah, provided Jan with a platform to showcase his abilities in a different environment.
In 1980, van Breda Kolff signed with the San Diego Clippers, where he played for a season before moving to the Cleveland Cavaliers. His time with the Cavaliers marked the final chapter of his professional playing career. Throughout his years in the NBA, Jan van Breda Kolff was known for his work ethic and ability to adapt to various team dynamics.
After retiring from professional play, Jan transitioned into coaching, following in his father's footsteps.
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