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 example, is the state's best athlete. Kentucky's state boxing hero Muhammad Ali is also listed among the best athletes. Andre Agassi and Tiger Woods are the best sportsmen from Nevada and California.
Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson is the greatest athlete from each of the states. Bo was a basketball star who broke tackles and ripped off a 99-yard touchdown in the 1991 NCAA championship game. Williston High School was awarded two state championships thanks to Bo. As a senior, he scored an average of 27 points at the University of North Dakota. His basketball career spanned seven centuries, winning him 12 NBA championships, including one as a player. He also earned 11 coaching awards.
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 averaged 7.7 rebounds per game and 2.4 steals. 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 (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 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 track record of producing elite 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
In high school, Sailors developed his jump shot. 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 will discuss the impact Sailors's legacy has had on basketball.
LeBron James
LeBron James is one legend in sports. 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 has been awarded numerous awards. He also holds two Olympic medals, and is the NBA's MVP two times. Let's find out where he ranks among America's greatest athletes.