Here's a look at the history of each state's greatest athlete. 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. Muhammad Ali, Kentucky's national boxing champion, is listed as one of the top athletes. Andre Agassi, Tiger Woods, and Andre Agassi are the top sportsmen in California.
Bo Jackson
If you haven't heard of Bo Jackson, he is the best athlete from each state. Bo was a basketball superstar who broke tackles, and ran a 99 yard touchdown in the 1991 NCAA Championship game. He was also the leader of Williston High School to 2 state championships. In addition, he played basketball at the University of North Dakota and averaged 27 points as a senior. 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 the Chicago Bulls' greatest player of 2008-09. He averaged 21.0 ppg and 7.0 assists per game. He averaged 7.7 rebounds per game and 2.4 steals. 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 was a 12 year veteran of the Minnesota Twins' professional baseball team and is listed as the best athlete for each state. He led the league in hits four times and won six Gold Glove awards. He was nominated for the MVP three times and played 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 produced 12 NHL-level players over its history. But none even comes 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 was a high school athlete who 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. His jump shot still makes a splash in the NBA today, and he is often considered the best athlete from each state. This article will examine the legacy of Sailors and his impact on basketball.
LeBron James
There are many legends in sports, and LeBron James is one of them. He is the best basketball player on the planet, has won four NBA championships and is currently leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their inaugural 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.