Here's a list of the greatest athletes from each state in their glory days. Sixty percent of the states ranked one of the great basketball or football icons as their best hometown hero. Michael Jordan, the state’s most outstanding athlete, is an example. Muhammad Ali, Kentucky's national boxing champion, is listed as one of the top athletes. Andre Agassi is the Nevada-based sportsman of choice.
Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson is the state's best athlete, if you haven’t heard of him. Bo was a basketball superstar who broke tackles, and ran a 99 yard touchdown in the 1991 NCAA Championship game. Williston High School also won two state championships. As a senior, he scored an average of 27 points at the University of North Dakota. His basketball career was seven decades long, and he won 12 NBA titles, one as an athlete, and eleven 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 averaged 7.7 rebounds and 2.4% steals per match. Pippen is the only active player to record a double-double in postseason, as he recorded his first triple-double against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1.
Kirby Puckett
In this list, the best athlete from each state is Kirby Puckett, a professional baseball player who spent 12 years with the Minnesota Twins. He won six Gold Gloves awards and led the league in hits. He reached the MVP vote three times and played well in two World Series. His last season was one of his most memorable, and he finished his career high.
Scott Gomez
The NHL has a long track record of producing elite athletes. Alaska is no exception. Alaska has had at least 12 NHL players in its history. However, none of them have come even close to Gomez. Gomez was born and raised in Anchorage. He played for the Alaska Aces during lockouts. The 2000 Calder Memorial Trophy Winner has made his home state proud.
Ricky Sailors
Sailors learned his jump shot in high school. He continued to refine his jump shot at college, and was soon one of the few professional players who made a living off 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
LeBron James has been called a legend in the world of sports. He is considered the greatest basketball player in the country, having won four NBA championships. Now, he leads the Cleveland Cavaliers towards 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 take a look at where he ranks in America's top athletes.