Best High School Basketball Player That Never Made It
High school basketball is the breeding ground for future basketball stars. It is where young basketball players get their start and hone their skills. For some, high school basketball is the highlight of their basketball career. For others, it is just the beginning. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best high school basketball players that never made it to the NBA.
Sebastian Telfair
Sebastian Telfair is one of the most highly-rated high school basketball players of all time. At Abraham Lincoln High School in New York City, Telfair was a four-year starter and helped lead his team to four consecutive PSAL Championships. In his senior year, he was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Telfair was drafted 13th overall in the 2004 NBA Draft but never lived up to the hype. He played for nine different teams over the course of his career but never found a permanent home in the NBA. Telfair currently plays professional basketball overseas.
Lenny Cooke
Lenny Cooke was one of the most sought-after high school basketball players in the country during his senior year. He was named the MVP of the Adidas ABCD Camp, which was attended by many of the top high school basketball players in the country.
Despite being heavily recruited by many top colleges, Cooke never played college basketball. He declared for the NBA Draft in 2002 but was not drafted. Cooke went on to play professional basketball overseas and in minor leagues in the United States.
Schea Cotton
Schea Cotton was one of the most dominant high school basketball players of his era. At St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, Cotton led his team to several CIF championships and was named Mr. Basketball in California in both his junior and senior years.
Despite being heavily recruited by many top colleges, Cotton never played college basketball. He declared for the NBA Draft in 2000 but was not drafted. Cotton went on to play professional basketball overseas and in minor leagues in the United States.
Dajuan Wagner
Dajuan Wagner is another high school basketball legend. At Camden High School in New Jersey, Wagner set the state scoring record for a single season with 3,462 points.
Wagner was drafted 6th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft but his career was cut short by injuries. He played for four different teams over the course of his career and retired from professional basketball at the age of 23.
Conclusion
High school basketball is a place where many young basketball players dream of becoming stars. However, not all high school basketball players go on to play in the NBA. For some, injuries or other circumstances cut their careers short.
Despite not making it to the NBA, players like Sebastian Telfair, Lenny Cooke, Schea Cotton, and Dajuan Wagner will always be remembered for their achievements in high school basketball. They are true legends of the game and will always have a place in the hearts of basketball fans.