Here's an overview of who was the greatest athlete from each state during their peak years. Sixty percent of states ranked their favorite hometown hero as one of the great football or basketball icons. Michael Jordan, for example, is the state's best athlete. Muhammad Ali, Kentucky's national boxing champion, is listed as one of the top athletes. Andre Agassi is the Nevada-based sportsman of choice.
Bo Jackson
If you haven't heard of Bo Jackson, he is the best 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 also won two state championships. As a senior, he scored an average of 27 points at the University of North Dakota. His basketball career spanned seven decades, earning him 12 NBA titles, one as a player and 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. Pippen also had 7.7 rebounds, 2.4 steals and an average of 21.0 points per game. Pippen was the only active postseason player to score a double-double. He scored his first triple-double against Milwaukee Bucks, 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 Glove Awards and led the league with hits four times. He reached the MVP vote three times and played well 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. He has been a proud citizen of his home state as the 2000 Calder Memorial Trophy Trophy winner.
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 will examine the legacy of Sailors and his impact on basketball.
LeBron James
LeBron James, one of the many sports legends, is one such example. 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. In addition to winning numerous awards, LeBron has two Olympic medals and is a two-time MVP of the NBA. Let's look at how he ranks with all the great American athletes.