Best Basketball Players From Illinois: The Pride of the Prairie State
Illinois has a storied basketball tradition, producing some of the most talented and influential players in the history of the sport. From high school phenoms dominating the local courts to collegiate stars making waves nationally and NBA legends leaving an indelible mark on the game, the state has consistently been a hotbed for basketball talent.
Illinois players have showcased a unique blend of skill, athleticism, and determination, leaving their mark on the game at every level. This list highlights the 15 best basketball players from Illinois, celebrating their remarkable achievements, impact, and enduring legacy in the world of basketball.
#15: Kevin Garnett
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Height/Weight: 6’11”, 240 lbs
Kevin Garnett, known as “The Big Ticket,” is one of the most versatile and intense players in NBA history. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Garnett moved to Chicago, Illinois, during his high school years, where he attended Farragut Career Academy. His stellar performance at Farragut earned him national recognition, and he was named National High School Player of the Year in 1995.
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Garnett declared for the NBA Draft straight out of high school and was selected 5th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 1995 NBA Draft, becoming the first player in 20 years to make the jump directly from high school to the NBA. This bold move started a trend for future high school players to enter the NBA draft.
Over his 21-year NBA career, Garnett was a 15-time NBA All-Star, won the NBA MVP award in 2004, and led the Boston Celtics to an NBA Championship in 2008. Known for his defensive prowess, versatility, and competitive spirit, Garnett is considered one of the greatest power forwards of all time. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.
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#14: Nick Anderson
- Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 205 lbs
Nick Anderson is one of the most iconic basketball players to come out of Chicago, Illinois. He attended Simeon Career Academy, where he was a high school standout before playing college basketball at the University of Illinois. Anderson led the Fighting Illini to the Final Four in 1989, earning All-American honors for his exceptional play. Anderson was selected 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 1989 NBA Draft.
Over his 13-year NBA career, primarily with the Magic, Anderson averaged 14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. Known for his scoring ability and clutch performances, Anderson was a key figure in the early success of the Orlando Magic, helping the team reach the NBA Finals in 1995. His contributions to the game have left a lasting legacy, particularly in Orlando where his number 25 jersey is remembered fondly.
#13: Kendall Gill
- Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 215 lbs
Kendall Gill, a Chicago native, made a name for himself at Rich Central High School before starring at the University of Illinois. As a key member of the “Flyin’ Illini,” Gill led his team to the Final Four in 1989. He was named a First-Team All-American in 1990. Gill was known for his scoring, defense, and athleticism.
Gill was selected 5th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1990 NBA Draft. He enjoyed a productive 15-year NBA career, averaging 13.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Gill was known for his versatility and defensive prowess, finishing among the league leaders in steals multiple times.
#12: Glen “Doc” Rivers
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 185 lbs
Glenn “Doc” Rivers, born in Chicago, Illinois, starred at Proviso East High School before playing college basketball at Marquette University. Known for his leadership and playmaking abilities, Rivers was drafted 31st overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 1983 NBA Draft.
Rivers enjoyed a successful 13-year NBA career, averaging 10.9 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. After retiring as a player, Rivers transitioned into coaching and quickly made a name for himself. He became the head coach of the Orlando Magic in 1999, where he won NBA Coach of the Year in his first season. Rivers later coached the Boston Celtics to an NBA championship in 2008 and also had successful tenures with the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers. Known for his ability to manage star players and build cohesive teams, Rivers has been one of the most respected coaches in the NBA for over two decades.
#11: Juwan Howard
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Height/Weight: 6’9″, 250 lbs
Juwan Howard, a Chicago native, attended Chicago Vocational Career Academy (CVCA), where he was a standout player. Known for his scoring, rebounding, and versatility, his performance gained him national attention and earned him a spot in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game in 1991. Howard gained further fame as a member of the University of Michigan’s “Fab Five,” where he was a key player in the team’s two NCAA Championship game appearances in 1992 and 1993.
Howard was selected 5th overall by the Washington Bullets in the 1994 NBA Draft. Over his 19-year NBA career, Howard averaged 13.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He won two NBA championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013. After retiring as a player, Howard returned to his alma mater as the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines in 2019. Under his leadership, Michigan achieved significant success, including winning the Big Ten regular-season championship in 2021. Howard earned several coaching accolades, including AP Coach of the Year, in 2021.
#10: Terry Cummings
- Position: Power Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’9″, 220 lbs
Terry Cummings, born in Chicago, Illinois, starred at Carver High School before playing college basketball at DePaul University. Known for his scoring and rebounding, Cummings was a two-time All-American at DePaul and led the team to the NCAA Tournament.
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Cummings was selected 2nd overall by the San Diego Clippers in the 1982 NBA Draft. He enjoyed a highly successful 18-year NBA career, averaging 16.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Cummings was a two-time NBA All-Star and earned NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 1983. Terry Cummings, who ranks 10th on this list, is also celebrated as one of the top players in DePaul’s basketball history.
#9: Tim Hardaway
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 175 lbs
Tim Hardaway, born in Chicago, Illinois, attended Carver High School before becoming a standout player at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Known for his exceptional ball-handling and scoring ability, Hardaway was a key player for the UTEP Miners.
Hardaway was selected 14th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 1989 NBA Draft. Over his 14-year NBA career, Hardaway averaged 17.7 points, 8.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and one of the pioneers of the “crossover” dribble move, known as the “UTEP two-step.”
#8: Mark Aguirre
- Position: Small Forward
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 232 lbs
Mark Aguirre, a Chicago native, was a high school standout at Westinghouse College Prep before starring at DePaul University. Known for his scoring and physical play, Aguirre was a two-time consensus All-American and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1980.
Aguirre was selected 1st overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1981 NBA Draft. Over his 13-year NBA career, Aguirre averaged 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. He won two NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons in 1989 and 1990, playing a key role as a scorer and leader on the team. Mark Aguirre, ranked 8th here, is also recognized as one of the greatest players in DePaul’s basketball history.
#7: Maurice Cheeks
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 lbs
Maurice Cheeks, born in Chicago, Illinois, attended DuSable High School before playing college basketball at West Texas State University. Known for his defensive prowess and playmaking skills, Cheeks was drafted 36th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1978 NBA Draft.
Over his 15-year NBA career, Cheeks was a four-time NBA All-Star and a four-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection. He helped lead the 76ers to an NBA Championship in 1983. After retiring as a player, Cheeks transitioned into coaching, serving as head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons. He is widely respected for his leadership and basketball IQ.
#6: George Mikan
- Position: Center
- Height/Weight: 6’10”, 245 lbs
George Mikan, born in Joliet, Illinois, is often regarded as one of the pioneers of professional basketball. He played college basketball at DePaul University, where he dominated the court and led the team to the NIT Championship in 1945. Mikan was known for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities.
Mikan had a legendary professional career with the Minneapolis Lakers, where he won five NBA championships. He was a three-time NBA scoring champion and was named one of the 75 Greatest Players in NBA History. Mikan’s impact on the game was so profound that he helped shape many of the rules and strategies used in basketball today.
#5: Anthony Davis
- Position: Power Forward / Center
- Height/Weight: 6’10”, 253 lbs
Anthony Davis, born in Chicago, Illinois, gained national attention at Perspectives Charter School and then became a standout at the University of Kentucky. Davis led Kentucky to an NCAA Championship in 2012, earning numerous accolades, including the Naismith College Player of the Year.
Davis was selected 1st overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the 2012 NBA Draft. Known for his exceptional defensive skills, shot-blocking, and scoring ability, Davis has been an eight-time NBA All-Star and won an NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. Additionally, Davis was a key member of the USA Basketball team that won gold medals at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2024 Paris Olympics. His versatility and impact on both ends of the court make him one of the most dominant players in the league today.
#4: Dwyane Wade
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 220 lbs
Dwyane Wade, born in Chicago, Illinois, attended Richards High School before becoming a star at Marquette University. Wade led Marquette to the Final Four in 2003, marking an unprecedented run for the program and helped propel his draft stock as he was drafted 5th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Wade enjoyed a stellar 16-year NBA career, earning 13 NBA All-Star selections and three NBA championships with the Heat. He was named the NBA Finals MVP in 2006, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier players. Known for his scoring, defense, and clutch performances, Wade won the NBA scoring title in 2009, averaging 30.2 points per game. Considered one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, Dwyane Wade was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
#3: Isiah Thomas
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 lbs
Isiah Thomas, born in Chicago, Illinois, starred at St. Joseph High School before playing college basketball at Indiana University. Thomas led the Hoosiers to an NCAA Championship in 1981 and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. He was selected 2nd overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 1981 NBA Draft.
Thomas had a legendary NBA career, earning 12 NBA All-Star selections and leading the Pistons to two NBA championships in 1989 and 1990. He was named the NBA Finals MVP in 1990, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest point guards of all time. In addition to his NBA success, Thomas won an Olympic gold medal as a member of the USA Basketball team in 1996. Known for his scoring, playmaking, and leadership, Thomas was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2000.
#2: Derrick Rose
- Position: Point Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 200 lbs
Derrick Rose, born in Chicago, Illinois, was a high school phenom at Simeon Career Academy before playing one season of college basketball at the University of Memphis. Rose led Memphis to the NCAA Championship game in 2008 and was selected 1st overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2008 NBA Draft.
Rose became the youngest player to win the NBA MVP award in 2011, showcasing his explosive athleticism and scoring ability. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Rose has remained a dynamic player and fan favorite. His illustrious high school career coupled with his NBA success for his hometown team earned him the #2 spot on this list. Over his career, he has averaged 18.7 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game.
#1: Michael Jordan
- Position: Shooting Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 216 lbs
Michael Jordan, though the only player on this list not born in Illinois, secures the #1 spot for transforming the Chicago Bulls from a struggling team into a dynasty. Widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan’s influence on the game is unmatched. He played college basketball at the University of North Carolina, where he hit the game-winning shot in the 1982 NCAA Championship game as a freshman.
Jordan was selected 3rd overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1984 NBA Draft. Throughout his illustrious career, Jordan won six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and six Finals MVPs, and was a 14-time NBA All-Star. He also earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1988 and claimed 10 scoring titles. Known for his scoring, competitiveness, and clutch performances, Jordan’s legacy is immortalized with a statue outside the United Center.
He was also a pivotal member of the “Dream Team,” winning a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Additionally, his Air Jordan sneakers revolutionized the athletic footwear industry and remain iconic to this day. Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, where the famous “Crying Jordan” meme originated. He continues to be a global icon in the world of sports.
