Here are some statistics to help you determine who was the best state athlete in their prime. Sixty-five percent of states named one of the greatest basketball or football players as their most beloved hometown hero. Michael Jordan is, for instance, the state's greatest athlete. Kentucky's state boxing hero Muhammad Ali is also listed among the best athletes. Andre Agassi is the Nevada-based sportsman of choice.
Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson is the most famous athlete from each state. Bo Jackson was a basketball player who broke tackles and scored a touchdown of 99 yards in the 1991 NCAA championship. Williston High School won two state titles under his leadership. He also played basketball at North Dakota State University, scoring an average of 27 points as a Senior. His basketball career spanned seven centuries, winning him 12 NBA championships, including one as a player. He also earned 11 coaching awards.
Scottie Pippen
Pippen was the Chicago Bulls' greatest player of 2008-09. He averaged 21.0 ppg and 7.0 assists per game. Pippen also had 7.7 rebounds, 2.4 steals and an average of 21.0 points per game. Pippen, who recorded his first postseason triple-double against Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1, is the only active player to achieve a double-double.
Kirby Puckett
Kirby Puckett is the top-ranked athlete in each state. He was a professional baseball player who played 12 years for the Minnesota Twins. He won six Gold Gloves awards and led the league in hits. He won the MVP vote three more times and was an excellent player in two World Series. His final season was a memorable one in team history.
Scott Gomez
The NHL has a long tradition of producing athletes. Alaska is no exception. Alaska has produced at most 12 NHL players throughout its history. Gomez is the closest. Gomez, who was born in Anchorage played for the Alaska Aces throughout the NHL lockouts. The 2000 Calder Memorial Trophy winner has made his home state proud.
Ricky Sailors
Sailors learned how to jump 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 examines the impact Sailors has had on basketball, as well as his legacy.
LeBron James
There are many legends in sports, and LeBron James is one of them. He's the best basketball player in the world, has won four NBA championships, and is leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first 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 find out where he ranks among America's greatest athletes.