Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Vaughn attended Whites Creek High School in Tennessee, and was a "USA Today" All-USA First-Team selection. He was later drafted out of Memphis State University by the Orlando Magic in the first round (25th overall) of the 1995 NBA draft. A ((height|ft=6|in=9}} forward, Vaughn played four seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1995 to 1999. He played for the Magic, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls and New Jersey Nets.