If you're wondering who the best athlete from each state was in their heyday, here's a look at who came from where. Sixty per cent of the states listed one of their top hometown heroes, either in basketball or football. Michael Jordan, the state’s most outstanding athlete, is an example. Muhammad Ali, Kentucky’s state boxing hero, is also among the top athletes. Andre Agassi and Tiger Woods are the best sportsmen from Nevada and California.
Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson is the most famous 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 was awarded two state championships thanks to Bo. 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 named the Chicago Bulls' best player in the 2008-09 postseason. He averaged 21.0 points per game and 7.0 assists. Pippen also had 7.7 rebounds, 2.4 steals and an average of 21.0 points per game. 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
Kirby Puckett, a professional pitcher who spent 12 seasons with the Minnesota Twins, is the best athlete from each country. 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 producing athletes. Alaska is no different. Alaska has produced 12 NHL-level players over its history. But none even comes close to Gomez. Born in Anchorage, Gomez played for the Alaska Aces during the NHL lockouts. Gomez, a 2000 Calder Memorial Trophy recipient, has done his state proud.
Ricky Sailors
In high school, Sailors developed his jump shot. He continued to refine his jump shot at college, and was soon one of the few professional players who made a living off it. He is considered one of the top athletes in each state for his jump shot. This article will examine the legacy of Sailors and his impact on basketball.
LeBron James
LeBron James is one legend in 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 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.