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 percent of the states ranked one of the great basketball or football icons as their best 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 (Nevada) and Tiger Woods (California) are the two best athletes in California.
Bo Jackson
Bo Jackson is the state's best athlete, if you haven’t heard of him. Bo Jackson, a basketball legend, was the one who broke tackles in 1991's NCAA championship game. He also scored a 99-yard touchdown. He was also the leader of Williston High School to 2 state championships. As a senior at the University of North Dakota he averaged 27 point per game. 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 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, 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
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 and was the league's top hit leader four times. 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 tradition of producing 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. Born in Anchorage, Gomez played for the Alaska Aces during 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 discusses the impact Sailors had on basketball and 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 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 find out where he ranks among America's greatest athletes.