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-five percent of states named one of the greatest basketball or football players as their most beloved hometown hero. Michael Jordan, for example is the state’s best athlete. Muhammad Ali, Kentucky’s state boxing hero, is also among the top athletes. Andre Agassi, Tiger Woods, and Andre Agassi are the top sportsmen in California.
Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson is the greatest athlete from each of the states. 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 also won two state championships. As a senior, he scored an average of 27 points at the University of North Dakota. His basketball career spans seven decades and earned him 12 NBA titles as a player, as well as 11 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 currently the only active player who has a postseason double-double. In Game 1, he scored his first triplet against the Milwaukee Bucks.
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 and was the league's top hit leader four times. He was voted MVP three times, and he played in two World Series. His final season was one of the most memorable in team history, as he ended his career on a high note.
Scott Gomez
The NHL has a long tradition of producing athletes. Alaska is no exception. Throughout its history, Alaska has produced at least 12 players who are currently playing in the NHL, though none have even come close to Gomez. Gomez, who was born in Anchorage played for the Alaska Aces throughout the NHL lockouts. Gomez, a 2000 Calder Memorial Trophy recipient, has done his state proud.
Ricky Sailors
Sailors was a high school athlete who 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 still regarded as the best basketball player from each state, with his jump shot making a big splash in the NBA. This article examines Sailors' impact on basketball as well as his legacy.
LeBron James
There are many legends in sports, and LeBron James is one of them. He is the most successful basketball player in history, with four NBA championships under his belt. LeBron James currently leads the Cleveland Cavaliers toward their first NBA title. LeBron has won numerous awards and is also an Olympic medalist. He was also a two time NBA MVP. Let's see how he ranks among all the great athletes of America.