30 Best High School Basketball Players of all time

UNBC Timberwolves basketball team playing UBC Okanagan Heat in 2014 photo by Newfoundland guy – Wikimedia commons

30 Best High School Basketball Players of all time

Basketball in high school has changed over the years from being a rigid, regulated game to one that is frequently fast-paced and high-scoring. Although basketball remained seen as the ultimate team sport, individualistic, one-on-one performers grew to be not only recognized but also utilized as an efficient way of winning games. Personal talents developed significantly because of the significance the talents had.

With adherence to the new regulations put in place, high school basketball players found a way to thrive on the court displaying top-notch skills. They were able to attract the interest of various NBA clubs and college recruits because of the recognition they received for being exquisite. More high school hoopers continue to develop with the aid of their coaches and a playing environment that is effective for success as they look to the future. Let us look at 30 of the best high school players of all time.

1. LeBron James

LeBron James photo by All-Pro Reels – Wikimedia commons

At St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, LeBron James had an outstanding high school basketball career. His outstanding talent, athleticism, and competitiveness immediately attracted the attention of the entire country. James guided his team to three state titles and a national championship during his four years of high school. He received three Ohio Mr Basketball awards, two Gatorade National Player of the Year awards, and three Parade All-American honours.

He was one of the top prospects for the NBA thanks to his outstanding high school record, and the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft. James has established himself as a household name going ahead to win four championships.

Find out: Top 10 unbelievable facts about LeBron James.

2. Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant photo by Sgt. Joseph A. Lee derivative work – Wikimedia commons

Kobe Bryant played basketball for Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, where he enjoyed a successful high school career. He was a standout player throughout his high school athletic career, and in 1996, while leading his team to the state title, he was awarded as the competition’s MVP. Bryant was a highly sought-after prospect by universities due to his exceptional shooting, ball handling, and competitiveness.

He decided to forego college in favour of the 1996 NBA draft, where he was chosen by the Charlotte Hornets with the 13th overall pick before being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe morphed into a prolific player and went on to achieve five NBA championships over 20 years.

Read the Top 10 unbelievable facts about Kobe Bryant.

3. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard photo by Erik Drost – Wikimedia commons

Dwight Howard was a phenomenal player throughout his high school career, leading his squad to back-to-back state titles and being recognized as a Parade All-American. Billed at 6ft 10 inches, Howard was an alpha species athlete during the AAU circuit, where he commanded national recognition for his astounding athleticism, stature and defensive prowess.

The Orlando Magic chose him as the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft. He’s earned eight selections in the NBA All-Star and was thrice chosen as the NBA Defensive player.

4. Chris Webber

Chris Webber playing in the NBA Asia Challenge 2010 in the Philippines. photo by inboundpass – Wikimedia commons

Webber competed in basketball during his time in high school for Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills, Michigan. He guided his high school team to three state titles where he earned the distinction of Parade All-American. Chris Webber excelled on the AAU circuit, where his astounding prowess and athleticism earned him national notice.

He enrolled at the University of Michigan where he competed for the Wolverines after his high school time elapsed. This came after he was seen as a top prospect for the 1991 NBA draft. The Orlando Magic selected him first overall in the 1993 NBA draft and later on got dealt to the Golden State Warriors.

Find out about the 15 Best Michigan basketball players who made it to  NBA.

5. Tracy McGrady

Tracy McGrady photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Outstanding high school basketball player Tracy McGrady played at Auburndale High School in Auburndale, Florida before moving to Mount Zion Christian Academy in Durham, North Carolina for his final year. He was a strong force throughout his high school career, guiding his team to the state championship game and earning the distinction of Parade All-American. Additionally, McGrady was a star on the AAU circuit, where he attracted national recognition for his prodigious talent, athleticism, and adaptability.

The Toronto Raptors chose him with the ninth overall pick in the 1997 NBA draft. McGrady fledged into one of the league’s finest scorers during his NBA career, garnering seven All-Star selections and twice being chosen to the All-NBA First Team. He played for several clubs, including the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, and New York Knicks before hanging his boots in 2013.

6. Alonzo Mourning

Alonzo Mourning playing with the w: Miami Heat photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

At Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, Alonzo Mourning enjoyed a fruitful high school basketball career. He was a strong force throughout his high school career, leading his squad to a state championship in his junior year. Mourning was a star athlete on the AAU circuit as well, where his outstanding stature, athleticism, and defensive prowess garnered him widespread recognition.

He decide to compete in collegiate basketball at Georgetown University after his time in high school, where he quickly morphed to become one of the best players in the nation. He entered the 1992 NBA draft after two productive seasons at Georgetown, and the Charlotte Hornets selected him with the second overall pick.

7. Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal playing with the Miami Heat photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

While playing basketball for Robert G. Cole High School in San Antonio, Texas, Shaquille O’Neal enjoyed a successful high school career. Over two years, he guided his team to a 68-1 record, and during his senior year, he assisted in the team’s state championship win. He still holds the state record for a player in any classification with 791 rebounds from the 1989 campaign.

After graduating from high school, he decided to play college basketball at Louisiana State University, where he quickly rose to the top of the sport in the nation. When he entered the 1992 NBA draft after two productive seasons at LSU, the Orlando Magic took him first overall.

8. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony photo by Erik Drost – Wikimedia commons

Carmelo Anthony played basketball for Towson Catholic High School in Baltimore, Maryland, and then for Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, throughout his successful high school career. He dominated his high school career, guiding his teams to several state championships. He decided to play collegiate basketball for Syracuse University after his high school career, where he helped the Team win the 2003 NCAA title and was voted the competition’s Most Outstanding Player. He declared for the 2003 NBA draft following a productive college season, and the Denver Nuggets picked him third overall.

9. Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis photo by TonyTheTiger – Wikimedia commons

Anthony Davis represented the Perspectives Charter School basketball squad in Chicago. His high school career was nothing short of spectacular. Due to his basketball prowess in high school, Davis attained multiple accolades including selection into the 2011 McDonald’s All-American Game and the 10th Jordan Brand Classic. 

10. Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Garnett competed for the Mauldin High School basketball in Mauldin, South Carolina, and then for Farragut Career Academy in Chicago, Illinois. He had a prosperous high school basketball career whereby USA Today awarded Garnett the National High School Player of the Year after he helped Farragut to a 28-2 record.

His record of 25.2 points, 17.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 6.5 blocks per game while shooting 66.8% from the field earned him the title of Mr Basketball for the state of Illinois. Garnett garnered an incredible 2,553 points, 1,809 rebounds, and 737 blocked shots over his final four years of high school.

11. Jerry Stackhouse

Jerry Stackhouse in 2008 with the Dallas Mavericks photo by bmendez68 – Wikimedia commons

Jerry Stackhouse is an American basketball coach and former professional player. Stackhouse was a standout player from the time he was a sophomore in high school. In 1991-92, he was named North Carolina’s state player of the year after leading Kinston High School to the state championship game. In his final year, he represented Oak Hill Academy alongside future college teammate Jeff McInnis leading them to an unbeaten season. He was a two-time first-team Parade All-America selection and the McDonald’s All-American Game MVP.

12. Tyson Chandler

Tyson Chandler 2012 USA team photo by Tim Shelby- Wikimedia commons

Chandler enrolled in Dominguez High School, a basketball-focused institution in Compton, California. Chandler played with future NBA players on the varsity team during his rookie year. Chandler rose to fame among teenagers while playing for the Dominguez Dons. Chandler received praise from USA Today and Parade Magazine and was chosen for the McDonald’s High School All-America Team.

Chandler averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks per game in his junior year. As a senior, Chandler averaged 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 blocks per game as he guided Dominguez to a state championship with a 31-4 record.

13. Amar’e Stoudemire

The American player Amare Stoudemire takes a free kick. photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Amar’e participated in high school basketball for three different organizations before completing his studies at Orlando, Florida’s Cypress Creek High School. He received several prep awards, including Florida’s Mr Basketball. Throughout his playing career, Stoudemire had microfracture surgery on both knees due to ongoing knee issues.

Stoudemire averaged 29.1 points, 15 rebounds, 6.1 shots blocked, and 2.1 steals per game in his senior season. Being chosen to participate in the 2002 McDonald’s All-American Game at Madison Square Garden in New York City was the holy grail of his high school career.
The Phoenix Suns drafted him 9th overall in round 1 of the 2002 NBA draft.

14. Lamar Odom

Lamar Odom photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Odom Lamar represented Christ the King Regional High School in Middle Village, Queens, for his first three years of high school. He transferred to Redemption Christian Academy in Troy, New York, then attended the now-defunct St. Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain, Connecticut, at which he was coached by Jerry DeGregorio, before leaving the school at the beginning of his senior year owing to low academics. Odom won the 1997 Parade national player of the year award while still in high school.

15. Dwight Powell

Powell was a player for IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida in his high school basketball career after spending his freshman year at Earl Haig Secondary School in Toronto, Ontario. He got a rating as a three-star recruit and was ranked the 32nd-best power forward and the 102nd-best player in the country and for the class of 2010. He had a senior season scoring average of 23.2, 11.6 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 2.3 blocks.

16. Elton Brand

Elton Brand photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Brand attended Peekskill High School, where he got immediate inclusion on the team’s varsity basketball squad. He played AAU basketball alongside future NBA players Odom Lamar and Ron Artest, averaged 40 points and 20 rebounds in a single game, and by senior year, he regularly ranked among the best high school basketballers in the nation. He aided his squad in winning the state championships twice concurrently. Brand enrolled at Duke University after having a spectacular high school career.

17. Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo photo by Aaron Frutman – Wikimedia commons

Rajon Rondo spent three years at Louisville’s Eastern High School. As a member of the All-State team and the 7th Region Player of the Year, he managed to average 27.9 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists a game during his junior year at Eastern High School. He transferred to Virginia’s Oak Hill Academy for his senior year where he got an average of 21.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 12.0 assists per game.

Rajon finalised the 2003–04 campaign with a 38–0 record. . Achieving 494 assists in one season, he superseded McInnis to emerge as Oak Hill Academy’s all-time leading assist provider.

18. Jahlil Okafor

Jahlil Okafor at the 2014 IHSA 4A finals photo by TonyTheTiger – Wikimedia commons

When he attended Whitney Young High School in Chicago, Illinois, Jahlil Okafor was one of the best high school basketball players in the nation. He guided Whitney Young High School to a 33-3 record and a Class 4A state championship during his senior season (2013–14). He gained attention as one of the top prospects in the nation thanks to his stellar high school record and accolades, and after playing one season of college basketball at Duke University, he was drafted third overall in the 2015 NBA draft.

19. Josh Smith

Josh Smith 2014 photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Smith played basketball at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, and had a reputable career as a high school athlete. During his senior year at Oak Hill, he guide the squad to a 33-2 record, and he got recognized as a McDonald’s All-American. He was a pivotal element in leading Oak Hill to a 38-0 season record averaging 22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 blocks, and 3 steals a game.

Smith played one season of college basketball at the University of Indiana before deciding to enter the 2004 NBA draft, where he was picked 17th overall in the 2004 draft as a result of his astounding high school reputation and accolades, which aided him to establish himself as one of the top high school basketball prospects in the nation.

20. DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan at Toronto Raptors photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

DeRozan went to Compton High School and garnered a reputation as one of the best college prospects in the country for the class of 2008. During his four years of high school, he competed in basketball on the varsity team. He averaged 26.1 points and 8.4 rebounds as a rookie. He averaged 22.6 points and 8.4 rebounds in his sophomore season, and 22.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 3.2 steals in his junior campaign.

DeRozan guided Compton High School to a 26-6 record, a second consecutive Moore League championship, and the CIF Division IAA Southern Section quarterfinals as a senior with averages of 29.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game

21. Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Andrew Bynum is a retired professional basketball who was reputable for his muscular interior presence, shot-blocking technique, in-court intelligence, agility and rebounding. During his junior and senior years, Bynum attended St. Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey. Andrew spent the majority of his freshman year at West Windsor Plainsboro High School North in Plainsboro, New Jersey. He spent the rest of his freshman and sophomore years at Solebury School located in Solebury, Pennsylvania.

22. Jay Williams

William graduated from St. Joseph High School in Metuchen in 1999. Jason got named on the Parade All-American list, a USA Today first-team All-American, and a McDonald’s All-American in 1999, where he competed in the Slam Dunk Contest and the McDonald’s All-American Game, managing 20 points in the latter game. He averaged 19 points, 7.0 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game in his senior year of high school. His mad talent established a notch higher than his high school teammates allowing him to garner a mass following all over the nation.

23. Montrezl Harrell

Montrezl Harrell photo by All-Pro Reels – Wikimedia commons

Montrezl Dashay Harrell is an American professional basketball player for the National Basketball Association’s Philadelphia 76ers. Harrell, a power forward from Tarboro, North Carolina, attended North Edgecombe High School before attending Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia for a year. He led the squad to a 38-1 record and averaged 25.2 points and 13.6 rebounds per game.

24. Will Barton

Will Barton photo by All-Pro Reels – Wikimedia commons

William Barton went through four institutions in five years. Before changing classes and transferring to National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Maryland, to repeat his sophomore year, he commenced his basketball career at Baltimore City College, a public college preparatory high school, for two years. After that, William Barton enrolled in Lake Clifton Eastern High School in Baltimore for his junior year. He went to Brewster Academy as a senior in 2009–2010.

25. Michael Beasley

Michael Beasley photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Michael Beasley is a retired professional basketball player who thrived in high school at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Beasley was a student at six different high schools, comprising Bowie High School in Bowie, Maryland, National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Maryland, where he averaged a record 30 points and 10 rebounds per game while still a freshman in 2003-04, The Pendleton School in Bradenton, Florida, Riverdale Baptist School Upper Marlboro, Maryland (28 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks per game as a sophomore, 2004-05), and Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia (20.1 points, 10.3 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game.

He would wound up at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He achieved a spectacular season-best 28 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 4.5 blocks as a senior in high school. His single-game highs during his senior season were 64 points and 31 rebounds.

26. Jermaine O’Neal

Jermaine O’Neal playing with the Miami Heat photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

O’Neal enrolled as a freshman at Eau Claire High School of the Arts in 1992. He boldly pledged to become the greatest player in school history during his first meeting with basketball coach George Glymph. In 1995, O’Neal averaged 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 blocks per game as Eau Claire won its third consecutive 3A state title. O’Neal won first-team all-state honours, the Player of the Year award in South Carolina, and the title of Mr Basketball during his senior year at Eau Claire thanks to his averages of 22.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.2 blocks per game.

27. Kyle Anderson

Kyle Anderson of UCLA against Oregon photo by Bagumba – Wikimedia commons

Kyle commenced high school at Paterson Catholic High School. Despite possessing the talents of a point guard, his 6-foot-5-inch height convinced coaches to utilize him on the wing or in the post. Anderson subsequently shifted to St. Anthony High School after just two years at Paterson Catholic. As a four-year starter athlete, he went 119-6! including 65-0 in his two years at St. Anthony. Anderson had 14 points as St. Anthony won its second consecutive New Jersey Tournament of Champions title and finished its second straight unbeaten season with a 66-62 victory against Plainfield.

28. Derrick Rose

Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls at the Verizon Center on February 28, 2011 photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Derrick Rose excelled in high school at Simeon Career Academy in Chicago, Illinois. He was a top high school talent and largely considered one of the country’s greatest players. Rose was selected Illinois Mr Basketball in 2007 after leading Simeon to two state championships. He was also named All-American and National High School Player of the Year by numerous magazines. Rose went on to play one season of collegiate basketball at the University of Memphis before declaring for the NBA draft, where he was chosen first overall by the Chicago Bulls in 2008.

29. Victor Oladipo

Indiana Pacers Victor Oladipo scores photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Oladipo excelled in high school basketball while attending DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland. He was a multi-sport athlete noted on the court for his athleticism and defensive prowess. Oladipo was chosen to the All-Metropolitan squad and was regarded as one of the country’s finest high school prospects a senior, he averaged 11.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game. He led DeMatha to a 32-4 record, as well as the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and City titles.

30. John Wall

John Wall photo by Keith Allison – Wikimedia commons

Wall attended Garner Magnet High School in Garner, North Carolina, for his first two years of high school basketball. After his second season, he returned to Needham B. Broughton High School for his sophomore year. Despite a strong tryout, Wall was cut from the school’s varsity team due to attitude issues. He transferred to Word of God Christian Academy, which is also located in Raleigh.

John Wall managed an average of 19.7 points, nine assists, and close to eight rebounds as a fifth-year senior attending Word of God Christian Academy in 2009, and was recognized as one of the finest high school basketball players in the class of that year. He guided the Holy Rams basketball team to the North Carolina Class 1A state championship when they were defeated 56-53 by United Faith Christian Academy. Wall had 11 points in the game.

Read more: 60 Best College Basketball Players of all time.