Here's a list of the greatest athletes from each state in their glory days. Sixty per cent of the states listed one of their top hometown heroes, either in basketball or football. Michael Jordan, for instance is the best state athlete. Muhammad Ali (Kentucky's boxing legend) is also listed among the state's greatest athletes. The best sportsmen in California and Nevada are Tiger Woods and Andre Agassi.
Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson is the state's best athlete, if you haven’t heard of him. Bo Jackson, a basketball legend, was the one who broke tackles in 1991's NCAA championship game. He also scored a 99-yard touchdown. He was also the leader of Williston High School to 2 state championships. As a senior, he scored an average of 27 points at the University of North Dakota. His basketball career spans seven decades and earned him 12 NBA titles as a player, as well as 11 as a coach.
Scottie Pippen
Pippen was honored by the Chicago Bulls as their greatest player during the 2008-09 postseason. His average of 21.0 points and 7.0 assists per game made him the most valuable player they have ever had. He also added 7.7 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. Pippen has the distinction of being the only active participant to post a double in the postseason. He recorded his first triple-double in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Kirby Puckett
Kirby Puckett was a 12 year veteran of the Minnesota Twins' professional baseball team and is listed as the best athlete for each state. He won six Gold Gloves and was the league's top hit leader four times. He won the MVP award three times and played well during two World Series. His final season was memorable and he finished his career on a high note.
Scott Gomez
The NHL has a long history producing athletes. Alaska is no different. Alaska has produced 12 NHL-level players over its history. But none even comes close to Gomez. Gomez, who was born in Anchorage played for the Alaska Aces throughout the NHL lockouts. He is a Calder Memorial Trophy winner in 2000 that has made his state proud.
Ricky Sailors
Sailors' jump shot was perfected in high school. Sailors continued to improve his jump shot at college and became one of few pro-level players who could make a living using it. His jump shot continues to make waves in the NBA today and he is often considered to be the best from each state. This article will examine the legacy of Sailors and his impact on basketball.
LeBron James
There are many legends in sports, and LeBron James is one of them. He is the best basketball player on the planet, has won four NBA championships and is currently leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their inaugural NBA championship. LeBron is not only a winner of numerous awards but also has two Olympic gold medals and was twice named the NBA's MVP. Let's compare his stats with the other great athletes in America.