Here are some statistics to help you determine who was the best state athlete in their prime. 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. Kentucky's state boxing hero Muhammad Ali is also listed among the best athletes. The best sportsmen in California and Nevada are Tiger Woods and Andre Agassi.
Bo Jackson
If you haven't heard of Bo Jackson, he is the best athlete from each state. Bo Jackson, a basketball legend, was the one who broke tackles in 1991's NCAA championship game. He also scored a 99-yard touchdown. Williston High School won two state titles under his leadership. As a senior, he scored an average of 27 points at the University of North Dakota. His basketball career stretched over seven decades. He won 12 NBA titles, including one as player and eleven as coach.
Scottie Pippen
The Chicago Bulls crowned Pippen their best player ever in the 2008-09 postseason, where he averaged 21.0 points and 7.0 assists per game. He also averaged 7.7 rebounds and 2.4% steals per match. 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 (a professional baseball player who was with the Minnesota Twins for 12 years) is the best state athlete on this list. He won six Gold Gloves awards and led the league in hits. He was voted MVP three times, and he played in 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 of producing athletes, and the state of Alaska is no exception. Throughout its history, Alaska has produced at least 12 players who are currently playing in the NHL, though none have even come close to Gomez. Gomez, who was born in Anchorage played for the Alaska Aces throughout the NHL lockouts. Gomez, a 2000 Calder Memorial Trophy recipient, has done his state proud.
Ricky Sailors
Sailors learned how to jump in high school. After graduating from high school, he continued to perfect his jump shot in college. He was one of only a few pro players to earn a living playing the jump shot. He is considered one of the top athletes in each state for his jump shot. This article examines the impact Sailors has had on basketball, as well as his legacy.
LeBron James
LeBron James, one of the many sports legends, is one such example. He's considered to be the greatest basketball player, has won four NBA titles, and leads the Cleveland Cavaliers in their quest for their first NBA championship. LeBron is an Olympic medalist and a two-time NBA MVP. Let's look at how he ranks with all the great American athletes.