Best Kansas High School Basketball Players Of All Time
There's no denying the fact that Kansas is a basketball-crazy state. With a long and storied history of producing some of the best basketball players in the world, it's no surprise that the state has a reputation for producing highly talented individuals. When it comes to high school basketball, Kansas has seen some of the best players ever to step onto the court. Here are some of the best Kansas high school basketball players of all time.
Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain is one of the most dominant basketball players of all time. Born in Philadelphia, Chamberlain moved to Kansas when he was nine years old. He attended Overbrook High School in Philadelphia for two years before transferring to Kansas' Overbrook High School. There, he quickly became a star, leading his team to the state championship in both his junior and senior seasons. Chamberlain finished his high school basketball career with an incredible 2,252 points.
Jo Jo White
Jo Jo White grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, but he played high school basketball in Kansas. At Scott High School in Kansas City, White became one of the top high school basketball players in the country. He averaged more than 28 points per game during his senior season and was named the Kansas City Player of the Year. White went on to have a successful career in the NBA, winning two championships with the Boston Celtics.
Gary Spani
Gary Spani is a former American football linebacker and college athletics administrator. He attended Shawnee Mission South High School in Overland Park, Kansas, where he was a standout athlete in football and basketball. Spani was a two-time Kansas All-State selection in both football and basketball. He went on to have a successful career at Kansas State University and played for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL.
Greg Dreiling
Greg Dreiling is a former NBA player who grew up in Wichita, Kansas. He attended Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School, where he was a standout basketball player. Dreiling was named the Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year during his senior season, and he went on to play at the University of Wichita. Dreiling was drafted by the Indiana Pacers in 1986 and played for several NBA teams.
Billy Thomas
Billy Thomas is another former NBA player from Kansas. He grew up in Leavenworth and attended Leavenworth High School, where he was a star basketball player. Thomas was a three-time Kansas All-State selection and led his team to the state championship game in his senior season. He went on to play at the University of Kansas and was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 1997.
These are just a few of the many great high school basketball players who have come out of Kansas. From Wilt Chamberlain to Greg Dreiling, these players have left an indelible mark on basketball history. Whether they went on to play in the NBA or pursued other paths, these players will forever be remembered for their contributions to the game of basketball.