Best Texas High School Basketball Players Of All-Time
Basketball is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions of people all around the world. It is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and Texas has produced some of the best high school basketball players in the country. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Texas high school basketball players of all-time.
1. Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal is one of the greatest basketball players of all-time. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, but moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he played high school basketball. Shaq started his high school career at Cole High School, where he led his team to a 68-1 record in two seasons. He then transferred to Robert G. Cole High School, where he continued to dominate the competition.
Shaq went on to play college basketball at Louisiana State University (LSU) and was the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. He played for several teams during his NBA career, including the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Boston Celtics. Shaq won four NBA championships and was named to the All-Star team 15 times.
2. TJ Ford
TJ Ford was born in Houston, Texas, and played high school basketball at Willowridge High School. He was one of the most highly recruited high school players in the country and was named the National Player of the Year by multiple organizations. Ford led Willowridge to the state championship in 2000, where he scored 28 points in the championship game.
After high school, Ford played college basketball at the University of Texas at Austin. He was the eighth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and played for several teams during his NBA career, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and San Antonio Spurs.
3. LaMarcus Aldridge
LaMarcus Aldridge was born in Dallas, Texas, and played high school basketball at Seagoville High School. He was a dominant force on the court and was named a McDonald's All-American in 2004. Aldridge led Seagoville to the state championship game in 2004 but they lost to Cypress Falls High School.
After high school, Aldridge played college basketball at the University of Texas at Austin. He was the second overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft and has played for several teams during his NBA career, including the Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs, and Brooklyn Nets. Aldridge is a seven-time NBA All-Star and has been named to the All-NBA team five times.
4. Chris Bosh
Chris Bosh was born in Dallas, Texas, and played high school basketball at Lincoln High School. He was one of the most highly recruited high school players in the country and was named a McDonald's All-American in 2002. Bosh led Lincoln to the state championship game in 2002 but they lost to Yates High School.
After high school, Bosh played college basketball at Georgia Tech. He was the fourth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and played for several teams during his NBA career, including the Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat. Bosh won two NBA championships with the Miami Heat and was named to the All-Star team 11 times.
5. Mookie Blaylock
Mookie Blaylock was born in Garland, Texas, and played high school basketball at Garland High School. He was a standout player and was named the Texas Player of the Year in 1985. Blaylock led Garland to the state championship game in 1985 but they lost to Converse Judson High School.
After high school, Blaylock played college basketball at the University of Oklahoma. He was the 12th overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft and played for several teams during his NBA career, including the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors. Blaylock was named to the All-Star team three times and was a two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection.
Conclusion
Texas has produced some of the best high school basketball players in the country, and these five players are just a few examples of the talent that has come out of the Lone Star State. Shaquille O'Neal, TJ Ford, LaMarcus Aldridge, Chris Bosh, and Mookie Blaylock all had successful high school careers and went on to have successful careers in college and the NBA. These players have left a lasting legacy in the basketball world and will always be remembered as some of the best to ever play the game.