Best Basketball Players From Minnesota: The State’s Greatest Hoops Talents
Minnesota, a state renowned for its passionate sports fans and strong basketball tradition, has produced a wealth of talent that has made a significant impact at the high school, college, and professional levels. From dominating in the NBA to leading their teams to national championships, these players have showcased extraordinary skill, determination, and leadership.
This list highlights the best basketball players from Minnesota, showcasing the immense talent that has emerged from the state and made a lasting impact on the game. Whether through birth, high school stardom, or career-defining moments, recognizing those who have left an indelible mark on the game.
10. Royce White (2009-2012)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 260 lbs
High School: DeLaSalle High School, Minneapolis, MN
College: Iowa State University
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Royce White, a dominant force at DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, showcased his versatility early on, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. His unique combination of size and skill made him nearly unstoppable, leading his team to a state championship and solidifying his status as one of the top players in Minnesota.
Transitioning to college, White’s impact was immediate at Iowa State University. As a Cyclone, he led the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks during the 2011-2012 season—an impressive feat that highlighted his all-around game. White was a matchup nightmare for opponents and earned All-Big 12 First Team honors.
Drafted 16th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2012, White’s professional career was marked by his outspoken advocacy for mental health awareness. While anxiety challenges limited his time on the court, his influence off it continues to inspire and break down barriers in sports.
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9. Chris Humphries (2001-2004)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 235 lbs
High School: Hopkins High School, Minnetonka, MN
College: University of Minnesota
Dominating the Minnesota high school basketball scene, Chris Humphries turned heads with his impressive physicality and scoring ability. At Hopkins High School, his senior season averages of 25.7 points and 14.4 rebounds per game left little doubt that he was destined for the next level.
Once he moved on to the University of Minnesota, Humphries continued his upward trajectory. He wasted no time asserting himself as a top player, leading the Big Ten in both scoring and rebounding as a freshman—an almost unheard-of accomplishment. This dominant freshman year saw him average 21.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, making it clear that he was ready for the NBA. Humphries declared for the draft after just one season, going 14th overall to the Utah Jazz.
8. Gary Trent Jr. (2014-2017)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 209 lbs
High School: Apple Valley High School, Apple Valley, MN
College: Duke University
Exploding onto the scene at Apple Valley High School, Gary Trent Jr. quickly established himself as one of Minnesota’s premier scorers. His senior year saw him averaging nearly 30 points per game, leading Apple Valley to a state title and cementing his status as Minnesota Mr. Basketball in 2017. With a deadly jump shot and the ability to score in bunches, Trent Jr. became a must-watch player.
After high school, he took his talents to Duke University, where his scoring ability continued to shine. Averaging 14.5 points per game, Trent Jr. was a key contributor to Duke’s success, particularly from beyond the arc, where he shot over 40%. His one season at Duke showcased his readiness for the NBA, leading to his selection in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, who immediately traded him to the Portland Trail Blazers.
7. Jalen Suggs (2016-2020)
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 205 lbs
High School: Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis, MN
College: Gonzaga University
At Minnehaha Academy, Jalen Suggs wasn’t just a star—he was a phenomenon. His ability to dominate in both basketball and football set him apart, but it was on the basketball court where he truly shined. As a senior, Suggs averaged 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, leading Minnehaha Academy to a third state championship and solidifying his place as one of the most celebrated athletes in Minnesota’s history.
When it came time for college, Suggs chose Gonzaga University, where his impact was felt immediately. His freshman year was nothing short of spectacular, capped by an unforgettable buzzer-beater in the Final Four that propelled Gonzaga to the national championship game. His all-around play—averaging 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game—earned him a spot as the 5th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, marking the start of what promises to be an illustrious professional career.
6. Tyus Jones (2010-2014)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’0″, 196 lbs
High School: Apple Valley High School, Apple Valley, MN
College: Duke University
From the moment Tyus Jones stepped onto the court at Apple Valley High School, it was clear he was something special. A natural leader with an exceptional basketball IQ, Jones led Apple Valley to a state championship in 2013. Averaging 26.4 points and 8.1 assists per game as a senior, he earned Minnesota Mr. Basketball honors in 2014, proving that he was not just a scorer, but also a true floor general.
Jones’ leadership and poise carried over to Duke University, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Blue Devils to the 2015 NCAA Championship. His clutch performances, particularly in the title game, earned him the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four. After just one season at Duke, Jones declared for the NBA Draft and was selected 24th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers, only to be traded to his hometown Minnesota Timberwolves. He has since become one of the most reliable backup point guards in the NBA.
5. Kevin Garnett (1995-2016)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height/Weight: 6’11”, 240 lbs
High School: Farragut Academy, Chicago, IL (Born in Greenville, SC)
College: N/A (Direct to NBA)
Though not a Minnesota native, Kevin Garnett’s legacy in the state is undeniable. Drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves straight out of high school in 1995, Garnett brought a level of intensity, athleticism, and versatility that the league had rarely seen. During his time with the Timberwolves, Garnett was the face of the franchise, leading the team to its first-ever Western Conference Finals appearance in 2004. His ability to play multiple positions, combined with his defensive prowess, earned him the NBA MVP award in 2004.
Over 12 seasons in Minnesota, he averaged 20.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, becoming a perennial All-Star and All-NBA player. Garnett’s influence went beyond the stat sheet—his leadership and work ethic left an indelible mark on the Timberwolves and the state of Minnesota.
4. Chet Holmgren (2018-2021)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7’1″, 195 lbs
High School: Minnehaha Academy, Minneapolis, MN
College: Gonzaga University
Chet Holmgren, towering at 7’1″, redefined what it meant to be a big man in high school basketball. His ability to handle the ball, shoot from deep, and block shots with ease made him a standout at Minnehaha Academy. Holmgren averaged 21 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 5.0 blocks per game as a senior, leading his team to three state championships—some alongside Jalen Suggs—and earning multiple high school player of the year honors, including the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award.
After high school, Holmgren took his unique skill set to Gonzaga University, where he continued to dominate on both ends of the floor. His freshman season showcased his potential, with averages of 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks per game. His performances made him a top prospect for the NBA Draft, where he was selected 2nd overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2022, cementing his status as one of the best to come out of Minnesota.
3. Khalid El-Amin (1994-1997)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 200 lbs
High School: Minneapolis North High School, Minneapolis, MN
College: University of Connecticut
Khalid El-Amin was the heart and soul of Minneapolis North High School’s basketball dynasty in the mid-90s. Known for his gritty play and clutch performances, El-Amin led his team to three consecutive state championships, averaging 30 points per game as a senior. His electrifying style of play and leadership on the court made him a Minnesota legend before he even stepped onto a college campus.
El-Amin’s success continued at the University of Connecticut, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Huskies to their first NCAA Championship in 1999. His fearless attitude and knack for hitting big shots in critical moments made him a fan favorite. Though his professional career was brief, El-Amin’s impact on the game, especially in Minnesota, is still felt today.
2. Lindsay Whalen (2000-2004)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 170 lbs
High School: Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson, MN
College: University of Minnesota
Lindsay Whalen, a trailblazer in Minnesota basketball, became a household name while leading the University of Minnesota’s women’s basketball team to unprecedented heights. At Hutchinson High School, Whalen was already a standout, but it was at the collegiate level where she truly made her mark. Averaging 20.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in her senior year, Whalen led the Golden Gophers to their first-ever Final Four appearance in 2004.
Whalen’s impact extended beyond her college years. She went on to have a stellar WNBA career, winning four championships with the Minnesota Lynx and earning five All-Star selections. Her success on the court and her leadership skills made her an icon in Minnesota sports, and she later returned to the University of Minnesota as the head coach of the women’s basketball team.
1. Kevin McHale (1976-1993)
Position: Power Forward / Center
Height/Weight: 6’10”, 210 lbs
High School: Hibbing High School, Hibbing, MN
College: University of Minnesota
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Kevin McHale, one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, got his start at Hibbing High School in Minnesota, where his dominant play earned him a scholarship to the University of Minnesota. At Hibbing, McHale was known for his inside scoring and shot-blocking ability, traits that would define his Hall of Fame career.
He averaged 17.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as a senior with the Gophers, leading to his selection as the third overall pick in the 1980 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics. McHale became a cornerstone of the Celtics’ dynasty in the 1980s, winning three NBA championships and earning seven All-Star selections.
Known for his low-post moves and tenacious defense, McHale was a two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year and is widely regarded as one of the most skilled post players the game has ever seen. His legacy extends beyond his playing career, as he also served as an executive and coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he notably drafted Kevin Garnett, continuing to shape the game of basketball.
