News Summary

Explore the legacy of Texas high school basketball since 2000, showcasing legendary players like Chris Bosh, Julius Randle, and Brittney Griner. This article highlights their remarkable achievements, state championships, and contributions to professional basketball, celebrating both male and female stars who have left a lasting impact on the sport.

Texas High School Basketball Legends: A Closer Look at Stars Shining Since 2000

Welcome to the great state of Texas, where basketball is more than just a sport; it’s a passion, a tradition, and for many, a way of life. Over the years, high school basketball in Texas has produced some extraordinary players who have not only made a mark at the high school level but have gone on to leave an indelible legacy in professional basketball. Buckle up as we take a delightful trip down memory lane, spotlighting the top performers since 2000!

Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh, a name that resonates in the basketball world, started his journey at Lincoln High School, where he became a household name. In his senior year, he helped the Lincoln Tigers achieve a stunning 40-0 record while capturing the Class 4A state championship. His impressive stats of 21.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game earned him the title of Texas’ Mr. Basketball. Following high school, he dazzled at Georgia Tech, earning accolades like ACC Rookie of the Year and eventually being drafted fourth by the Toronto Raptors in 2003. With an illustrious 13-year NBA career, Bosh made 11 NBA All-Star appearances and snagged two championships!

Julius Randle

Next up is Julius Randle, who achieved legendary status at Prestonwood Christian Academy. Wearing the famed No. 30, he guided his team to three state titles, averaging a jaw-dropping 32.5 points and 22.5 rebounds in his senior year. Randle was ranked No. 3 in the 2013 ESPN 100 and played a significant role in leading the University of Kentucky to the Final Four. Drafted seventh by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014, Julius now shows off his talent with the Minnesota Timberwolves and has notched up three NBA All-Star appearances!

Marcus Smart

Marcus Smart is another stellar talent who led the Marcus Marauders to a remarkable 115-6 record and secured two state titles. His senior year scores of 15.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and five assists per game earned him a spot in the top 10 of the 2012 ESPN 100. After a successful college career at Oklahoma State, Smart was selected sixth overall in the 2014 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics and has since been recognized as Defensive Player of the Year!

D.J. Ford

Let’s not forget D.J. Ford, a superstar who propelled Willowridge High to a staggering 75-1 record and two back-to-back state titles. Averaging 12 points and 9.4 assists per game, Ford was also ranked No. 10 in the 2001 ESPN 100. His college journey at the University of Texas was marked by numerous accolades, including being drafted eighth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2003, propelling him into an eight-season NBA career.

De’Aaron Fox

Then there’s De’Aaron Fox, who burst onto the scene with an incredible high school performance, averaging 32.4 points and numerous other stellar statistics. He was ranked No. 6 in the 2016 ESPN 100 and went on to become Co-MVP of the Jordan Brand Classic before making his mark at Kentucky. Drafted fifth by the Sacramento Kings in 2017, Fox has become a fan favorite, earning an All-Star appearance along the way.

The Female Stars: Brittney Griner and Arike Ogunbowale

In the world of women’s basketball, Texas has given us incredible talents too! Brittney Griner, a phenomenon from Nimitz High, averaged a whopping 33 points and 11.7 blocks per game in her senior year. She ranked No. 1 in the 2009 ESPNW 100 and later conquered college basketball at Baylor before being drafted first by the Phoenix Mercury in 2013.

Arike Ogunbowale is another shining star who led the Duncanville Panthers to two UIL Class 5A state titles, finishing ranked No. 4 in the 2014 ESPNW 100. Ogunbowale made headlines during her time at Notre Dame and has continued to shine with the Dallas Wings.

Young Talents Making Waves

With a new crop of talent entering the scene, players like Seven Spurlock are making headlines as they transition from high school competition to more structured environments. With numerous Division-1 offers under his belt, Spurlock is set to create ripples in the basketball world in the coming years!

Texas has fostered a wealth of talent over the years, creating legends who not only dominate high school courts but also shine in collegiate and professional arenas. As we celebrate these incredible players, we can only anticipate what the future holds for the high school basketball scene here in the Lone Star State!

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