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 instance is the best state 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
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 also led Williston High School to two state championships. He was also a basketball player at the University of North Dakota, where he averaged 27 points per year as a senior. 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 named the Chicago Bulls' best player in the 2008-09 postseason. He averaged 21.0 points per game and 7.0 assists. He also added 7.7 rebounds and 2.4 steals 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 and was the league's top hit leader four times. He won the MVP vote three more times and was an excellent player 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 of producing athletes, and the state of 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 a Anchorage native who played for Alaska Aces in the NHL lockouts. The 2000 Calder Memorial Trophy winner has made his home state proud.
Ricky Sailors
Sailors learned his jump shot in high school. Sailors continued to improve his jump shot at college and became one of few pro-level players who could make a living using it. 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 discusses the impact Sailors had on basketball and his legacy.
LeBron James
LeBron James has been called a legend in the world of sports. 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. In addition to winning numerous awards, LeBron has two Olympic medals and is a two-time MVP of the NBA. Let's find out where he ranks among America's greatest athletes.