However, a leg injury forced Lacy to redshirt his senior year. (Woodland Hills, CA), Salesian Robinson also put in work on the playground and was the first-ever professional draft choice out of Long Beach State. 23. Onyeka Okongwu (Chino Hills) 19 Robin "Syk Wit It" Kennedy, Lynwood Aventist (Lynwood) '92 Dion Brown A Chicago native, Jeff Mezydlo has professionally written about sports, entertainment and pop culture for nearly 30 years. The California player of the year in 1968, Chenier was a 6-foot-3 jumping jack playing guard at a time when guys that size played center. There were so many great players out of Oakland alone, when you include the whole Bay Area, thats a serious list, former Skyline-Oakland guard and nine-time NBA All-Star Gary Payton said. Stanley Johnson (Mater Dei, Santa Ana) 14 Also Verbum Dei greats such as Cliff Pruit and Kenny Fields should be added to your list. Then during his senior campaign, Davis averaged 25 points while rarely playing the second half of games. Norman "Doc" Shavers 1. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. The first school year that Ronnie says he began to closely watch top basketball players was 1984-85 so he wouldnt be listing anyone earlier than that. 9. This is a carousel. As a standout power forward for Westchester, Ariza delivered a mix of power and grace on the floor. Trevor Ariza (Westchester, Los Angeles) 03 Always free! They all take a backseat to the father of Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) standout Nick Johnson and younger brother of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Johnson. In 2015 and 2016, he was named Defensive Player of the Year. Most sowed their seeds for greatness on the high school level. After his NBA career, Williams put in work in various summer pro leagues and won multiple Drew League titles. The 6-foot-4 Kidd led St. Joseph to state titles in 1991 and 92, averaging 25 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds his senior year to win national Player of the Year honors from Parade and USA Today. As could all of the players on the second team and the honorable mention list. 12. One of the few players who was an all-star in the ABA and NBA, Caldwell led Fremont to back-to-back city titles and was the city player of the year in 1960, pumping in 24.8 ppg. Cliff Robinson (Castlemont, Oakland) 77 Paul Pierce (Inglewood) 95 USA Today also ranked Westchester the country's No. Roy Hamilton (Verbum Dei, Los Angeles) 75 wine startup leaves customers with thousands of Two more S.F. The offense wasnt in his game yet, but he was a phenomenal defender/shot blocker and we were blown away how he handled everything he went through in his junior year. 8. The five-time NBA all-star nearly invented the point forward position with the Milwaukee Bucks. A prep teammate of Hassan Adams at Westchester, Ariza was California's Mr. Basketball in 2003, marking the first time since 1971 and '72 that different players from the same school San Joaquin Memorial's Cliff and Roscoe Pondexter took home the honor in back-to-back seasons. LeBron James, St. Vincent-St. Mary, By Johnson's admission, Lee was the superior talent. (Chatsworth, CA), Bishop Montgomery Ivan Rabb has led Bishop O'Dowd to a second state Open Division title game. Our experts predict every series, Liverpool rescue three points, chase top-four finish after surviving epic Spurs comeback, Jets' Aaron Rodgers expects a 'heaven' and 'hell' relationship with Zach Wilson, XFL semifinals: Defenders roll Sea Dragons, set up title showdown with Renegades, Song punishes Simon in one-sided TKO victory, Memphis wasn't 'fine in the West' -- getting there hinges on massive culture questions, Why the Lakers' real test begins now, after dispatching the No. The magical run he led the Vikings on during that 2006 season (ending with a win over Mater Dei in the state final) wound up being repeated when he debuted in the NBA for the New York Knicks a few years later. He was a better offensive player than Kidd who could hit three-pointers, but they didnt have them back then.. Voting is done in a points system. Despite the odd moments, his talent was undeniable. Don McLean (Simi Valley) 88 "I consider myself 1A with Ray Lew (Raymond Lewis)." 11. Her 6,190 point-total includes six "When I first saw him play, my mouth dropped," said Reggie Morris, Sr. "When he pulled up on his jump shot, he was always a little to the left or right of his defender." Jason Kapono (Artesia, Lakewood) 99 While at Verbum Dei, he was a two-time state player of the year in two divisions. 2022: Consensus All-American (School's first-ever DB to do so) 2022: Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year 2022: Jim Thorpe Award finalist Jalen Green (San Joaquin Memorial, Fresno) 20 The younger brother of two-time first-team All-Metro player Drew Gordon, the 6-foot-7 forward was best known for highlight-reel dunks that didnt tell the whole story. #20 Best High Schools for Athletes in California. A cinch Mr. Basketball pick if not for Lonzo Ball, the talented forward might be San Diegos best since Bill Walton. 1. I state title, averaging 25.1 points in seven post-season games. But as underclassmen, yes Ricky was more highly-regarded. 1 for me from CIF Central Section, but this wouldnt count Jalen Greens year at Prolific Prep. Hernell "Jeep" Jackson Shaquille O'Neal named him The Truth.. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. View California Basketball ranking list. Scattered showers, thunderstorms and steam fog. Russell graduated from McClymonds-Oakland in 1952 after playing only a year and a half. 8. Walter Ned J.C. Gipson Teams beat him up with double and triple teams but they still couldnt stop him. (Northridge, CA), Southern California Academy He then averaged 13.3 points in two seasons at UCLA, before winning two NBA championships with his hometown Los Angeles Lakers. O'Bannon never enjoyed extended success in the NBA, but the road getting there was pretty special. (Los Angeles, CA), West Ranch Paul had a terrific senior year and left no doubt he was the best player on the West Coast. He and Stephen Curry were known as the Splash Brothers for setting an NBA record of combined three-pointers, in 2014. "He could have played in the NBA, he was unguardable," Bokosky added. He later also played for teams such as the Los Angeles Clippers. In stark contrast to many playground legends, Lee was obsessed with playing in the NBA. In addition, Mills was named California's Mr. Basketball, a two-time Parade All-American (first team in 1988) and a McDonald's All-American. Born into a family of basketball players, Ball has attracted the attention of sports outlets since his playing career in high school. 1 team that season, which also saw Adams earn McDonald's All-American honors. 22. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Perhaps no four-year pro career is more memorable, as teammates recall things he did in warm-ups. 32 was retired by the school. Without further delay, heres our best of the best boys hoops players weve seen from California high schools (listed with senior season): 1. One year later, Harden averaged 18.8 points and nearly eight rebounds while leading Artesia to a 33-1 record and state championship. White Read-Aloud Award and the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor, Hotel Bruce, BE QUIET!, and Bruce's Big Move. Listed in chronological order. He did see Crenshaws John Williams in the season before that. Kennedy went on to Nevada-Reno, but got his big break at L.A.'s Bel-Air Park when he tried out for the AND 1 Mix-Tape Tour in 2001. Vote now. WebHere is our list of the best prep players from L.A. (Los Angeles County, to be more specific). After failing to make the varsity team as a freshman and sophomore, Pierce quickly blossomed into a prep star during his junior campaign. Meteorologist Gerry Daz provides a timeline-centered outlook for Mays upcoming weather patterns across California, along with some insights into High-flying Jason Kidd (in air) led St. Joseph-Alameda to state championships in 1991 and 92. The problem was Works seemed to care about basketball as much one does a pimple. Earnest "Worm" Killum, Jr., Lynwood (Lynwood) '90 Similar to "The Goat" in New York City, his legacy lives on because of the court named in his honor at Watts' 109th Street Recreation Center. 16. I thought Paul Pierce was better in high school than Ricky Price. (Moreno Valley, CA), Crossroads School 17. 7. 23. 2. He had a great combination of being flashy but controlled while leading the Roadrunners to a state title. "Everybody wants to be like Gumby," Marques Johnson said during a Fresno State telecast. 18. 17. From there, Johnson was off to nearby UCLA, where he was part of the Bruins' 1975 national title team and the national player of the year in '77. Beats out a few at the bottom of this list because his defense complimented his offense so well. Jermoine "J-Boogey" Brantley 1 Justices went 28-0, captured Class 2 state title and notched big wins over Columbus and Wheeler. 2022: Consensus All-American (School's first-ever DB to do so) 2022: Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year 2022: Jim Thorpe Award finalist (best DB in FBS) He attended six different schools in six years, ending up at UC-Irvine, where he did not finish the 1980-81 season. David Greenwood should rank much hire on your list as well as Roy Hamilton. Did we see that guy play or not? It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 2. Ronnie wasnt born yet and I was just starting high school when Marques was at Crenshaw. Mainly because of the video showing him doing amazing feats, such as jumping over people, motorcycles, and cars. Williams led "The Shaw" to a state title as a junior and scored 41 points in the city final as a senior. Jrue Holiday (Campbell Hall, North Hollywood) 08 6-8 / 190. And besides all the great dunks, he also blocked shots and was one of the best rebounders in the state.. 2. He was never the same player, but did help Vegas reach the 1987 NCAA Final Four. One of the states smoothest scorers ever, Mills had a NBA-ready game in high school. Web1. The streets are where Hook's game thrived, but unfortunately it's the place that has defined his life. Honors. 34 retired. CBS Sports. "Harold always played pick-up at Rogers, Bel-Air, wherever," said former Crenshaw center Danny Griffin. All California Basketball teams are listed. These include Russell Westbrook, Damian Lillard, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, LaMelo Ball and others. He played one season, as a freshman on the Dons' varsity team, with the aforementioned Prince in 1997-98, which was the first of four CIF titles won by the school during Chandler's time there. Listed in chronological order. A six-time NBA All-Star, Paul George has been an important player in the NBA for the last decade or so. DeMarcus Nelson (Sheldon, Sacramento) 04 Dang Ronnie. Prince honed his exceptional two-way skills at Compton powerhouse Dominguez. In an era when high school players started bypassing college for the NBA, Duncan stayed four years. Photo: lsusports.net. California has its fair share of all-time great leapers: Evric Gray (Bloomington), David Whitmore (St. Bernard), Corey Benjamin (Fontana) and Dubbed "Baby Jordan" for his leaping and dunking ability, Miner was a true showman. 15. Many of our panelists had a hard time deciding on 10 players, and several re-voted a time or two before the story went to press. Caldwell was the predecessor to Cali's great leapers such as, Darnell Hillman, Joey Johnson and Harold Miner, but his game was complete. Ernest Lee was that good. Caldwell was known as "Jumpin' Joe" on the playgrounds of L.A. and "Pogo Joe" in the pros. Prepping in the shadows of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at Manual Arts, Polee was California's Mr. Basketball and a third-team ParadeAll-American in 1981. (Long Beach, CA), Dougherty Valley He can be reached atronlocc1977@gmail.com. His overall athleticism and ability to take control of a game led to winning California Mr. Basketball in 2002, when Adams averaged 18 points while helping Westchester win the California State Division I-A Championship. Allen Crabbe (Price, Los Angeles) 10 By Scott Watkins. Eric "Spinmaster" Holmes Jeremy Lin (Palo Alto) 06 14. 5. Freeman Williams, Manual Arts (Los Angeles) '74 Gilbert WilburnFlintie Ray Williams 9. A teammate of the aforementioned Jacque Vaughn at Kansas, Pierce ended up in Lawrence thanks to a stellar career at Inglewood High, which retired his No. (Richmond, CA), Southern California Academy 7. Interestingly, Polee's prep career started at the aforementioned Verbum Dei, before transferring to Manual Arts for his sophomore year. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our use of cookies and our, Ep. Stunning his fans with his precise shooting abilities, 33 points per game average and five NBA All-Star selections, Damian Lillard has only kept rising in his career as a professional basketball player. That ultimately proved to be his downfall when he wasn't selected in the 1987 NBA Draft. Vote now. Essentially all of Goodrich's basketball success was contained to the Los Angeles area. Lew Alcindor, Power Memorial, Manhattan, NY. Stephon Davis Teamed with Dane Suttle, Sr. to form one of the city's best backcourts ever. Biff Burrell Tony Jackson (Bishop ODowd, Oakland) 82 He has played for numerous teams in his career, the Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) being the latest. 14. Eldridge Hudson (Carson) 82 Guy "The Fly" Williams Then it was off to the NBA, where Pierce was a 10-time All-Star and helped the Boston Celtics win the 2008 championship. Other states, like Texas, California and Florida, etc., had state record books compiled by independent sources. Andrew Gooden (El Cerrito) 99 Gilbert Arenas (Grant, Van Nuys) 99 California has its fair share of all-time great leapers: Evric Gray (Bloomington), David Whitmore (St. Bernard), Corey Benjamin (Fontana) and Shaun Pennington (Hayward) come to mind among players not on the Elite 24 list and more recently, Dwayne Polee, Jr. (Westchester). 22. Demar DeRozan (Compton) 08 Tyson Chandler (Dominguez, Compton) 01 3. Unlike King, Cotton didn't develop in an NBA forward, but countless pros, both older and younger than him such as Kevin Garnett, Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant, have all been subjects in those true tales. 11 retired. From there, Vaughn went to Kansas, where he won Big Eight Player of the Year in 1996, and had his No. Even though Mitchell spent quite a bit of the past 10 years incarcerated, his reputation is as big as any outside of New York City. Chris is now one of two sons of head coach James Patrick coaching baseball in Clovis. Cleveland "Pete" McKinney (Dublin, CA), Archbishop Mitty Find out how you can get access to more exclusive content, one-of-a-kind California high school sports content! He led the Sentinels to Bay League championships in 1974 and '75, and averaged 28.5 points and 15.5 boards during his 1974-75 season, when Inglewood reached the semifinals of the 4A CIF state tournament. To compile the All-Time Bay Area High School Basketball Team, The Chronicle surveyed a wide range of sports experts (some who requested anonymity), including former NBA players Jason Kidd, Greg Foster, Gary Payton and Antonio Davis, Cal-Hi Sports founder Mark Tennis, MaxPreps national high school columnist Mitch Stephens, bayareasportsstars.com editor Chris Rogers and longtime journalist Dave Newhouse. Oh, if it weren't for injury. He led Sequoia to the Tournament of Champions before there was a state tournament in 1967 and went on to play for Cal and the Warriors. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Polee was already a street icon by the time he got a cup of coffee in the NBA. Vince "Chico" Langston Nevertheless, he didn't have a big reputation around the city. State Junior of the Year for 2006 was on such a balanced team at Artesia that it kept his stats lower than they probably would have been elsewhere. We just want some real inglewood love. O'Bannon won another championship, of the national variety, at UCLA in 1995, when he was the Wooden Award winner and Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Jeremiah "Carnival" King His skill is only exceeded by his style and flare. "There was nobody like Sam," said Reggie Morris, Sr. "He's one of the greatest to play high school ball in Los Angeles.". An Indiana All-Star and Marion County player of the year, Jones helped lead Ben Davis to the basketball state finals as a senior. Dominguez also won three state titles (1999, 2000, 2001) during Chandler's high school run, where he averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and three blocks as a junior, then 26 points, 15 boards and eight blocks during his senior campaign. Jerry "The Assassin" Dupree The 7-foot Chandler went from the halls of Dominguez right to the NBA, as the second overall pick in 2001 draft. Jacque Vaughn (Muir, Pasadena) 93 He returned for the 1967-68 campaign, but quit the team shortly after being benched against Houston during the "Game of the Century" at the Astrodome. Complete package of talent, skill and the burning desire to win, with results. Jordan Divens Apr 7, 2023 MaxPreps Freshman All-America Team Latrell Allmond, Kaden House, Jayden Moore and Tyran Stokes join California star on first team. The late Johnson, on the other hand, was a 6-footer who made his living inside the paint. In 1993, Walton was made an inductee tothe Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. It could be argued that the stir he created at the 1975 NorCal TOC led to the state playoffs beginning a few years later. James Hardy Carrick DeHart He a Celtic. As a senior, Murray averaged a remarkable 44.3 points, and dropped 64 in a losing effort during the CIF Site D-II championship game. A four-time All-Star and six-time All-Defensive Team member, Kawhi Leonard has helped two teams win NBA championships while earning the Finals Most Valuable Player award on both THE occasions. Holiday, whose parents both played college basketball, had already proved himself to be a star prior to his senior campaign, for which he also was named Gatorade National Player of the Year and a first-team ParadeAll-American. SMH DO BETTER!!!! Ernest Lee, Kennedy (Sacramento) '82 Darnell "Dr. Dunk" Hillman, Johnson (Sacramento, Calif.) '67 The girls, Asha Thomas and Aisia Robertson, were so good that they were starters with the Rabb and Austin for the Montera Middle School 8th grade boys basketball team.
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