Best Indiana High School Basketball Players All-Time: Hoosier Legends on the Court
Indiana’s passion for basketball is legendary, with high school basketball playing a central role in the state’s sports culture. Known as “Hoosier Hysteria,” the fervor surrounding high school basketball in Indiana has produced some of the nation’s most talented players.
This list highlights the top 12 best Indiana high school basketball players of all time, considering their high school achievements, impact on the game, and subsequent success in college and professional careers.
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#12: Calbert Cheaney (1985-1989)
Position: Guard/Forward
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 210 lbs
Calbert Cheaney was a standout player for Evansville Harrison, known for his scoring ability and versatility. He led his team to a state runner-up finish in 1989, averaging 20.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game in his senior year, earning Indiana All-Star honors.
Cheaney went on to have a stellar career at Indiana University, becoming the Big Ten’s all-time leading scorer and earning the Consensus National College Player of the Year award in 1993. He then enjoyed a 13-season NBA career, primarily with the Washington Bullets/Wizards.
#11: Scott Skiles (1980-1982)
Position: Point Guard
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 lbs
Scott Skiles was an exceptional point guard for Plymouth High School, known for his incredible playmaking and scoring abilities. He led Plymouth to a state championship in 1982, scoring 39 points in the title game, and was named Indiana Mr. Basketball the same year.
Skiles went on to have a successful college career at Michigan State, where he set several records. He then played ten seasons in the NBA, where he is best remembered for setting the NBA record for most assists in a single game (30). He later transitioned to a coaching career in the NBA.
#10: Romeo Langford (2015-2018)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 215 lbs
Romeo Langford was a dynamic scorer for New Albany High School, known for his athleticism and shooting prowess. He led New Albany to a state championship in 2016 and was named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2018. Langford finished his high school career as one of the state’s all-time leading scorers with 3,002 points.
Langford played one season at Indiana University before declaring for the NBA Draft, where he was selected in the first round by the Boston Celtics.
#9: Zach Randolph (1997-2000)
Position: Power Forward
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 260 lbs
Zach Randolph was a dominant force at Marion High School, leading his team to two state championships in 1998 and 2000. Known for his rebounding and scoring inside the paint, Randolph earned All-State honors multiple times.
He went on to play one season at Michigan State before entering the NBA, where he had a successful 17-season career, becoming a two-time NBA All-Star and earning the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2004.
#8: Rick Mount (1966-1969)
Position: Shooting Guard
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 175 lbs
Rick Mount was one of the most prolific scorers in Indiana high school basketball history, playing for Lebanon High School. He was the first high school athlete to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated and was named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1966. Mount averaged 33.1 points per game in his senior season.
Mount continued his scoring exploits at Purdue University, where he became an All-American. He then had a brief professional career in the ABA and NBA.
#7: Steve Alford (1980-1983)
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 lbs
Steve Alford was a standout guard for New Castle Chrysler High School, known for his exceptional shooting and leadership. He was named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1983 and scored 2,116 career points. Alford led his team to the state championship game in 1983.
He had a legendary college career at Indiana University, where he helped lead the Hoosiers to an NCAA championship in 1987. Alford played in the NBA before transitioning to a successful coaching career.
#6: Greg Oden (2003-2006)
Position: Center
Height/Weight: 7’0″, 250 lbs
Greg Oden was a dominant center for Lawrence North High School, leading his team to three consecutive state championships (2004-2006). He was a two-time Gatorade National Player of the Year and was named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2006.
Oden played one season at Ohio State University, where he led the Buckeyes to the NCAA championship game. He was the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, though his professional career was hampered by injuries.
#5: George McGinnis (1967-1969)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’8″, 235 lbs
George McGinnis was a versatile and powerful forward for Washington High School in Indianapolis. He led his team to an undefeated season and a state championship in 1969, averaging 31.7 points and 15.2 rebounds per game. McGinnis was named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1969.
He played one season at Indiana University before turning professional. McGinnis had a stellar career in both the ABA and NBA, earning All-Star honors in both leagues.
#4: Glenn Robinson (1991-1993)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 240 lbs
Glenn Robinson was an unstoppable force for Gary Roosevelt High School, known for his scoring and rebounding abilities. He led his team to the state championship in 1991 and was named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1993. Robinson averaged 31 points and 12 rebounds per game in his senior year.
Robinson continued his dominance at Purdue University, where he became one of the greatest players in the program’s history. He set the school record for points in a single season with 1,030 and averaged 30.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in his final year. His outstanding performance earned him the Naismith College Player of the Year and John R. Wooden Award in 1994.
Robinson was the first overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. During his 11-season NBA career, he averaged 20.7 points per game and was a two-time NBA All-Star. His scoring prowess made him a key player for the Bucks.
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#3: Damon Bailey (1986-1990)
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 lbs
Damon Bailey was a high school basketball legend in Indiana, playing for Bedford North Lawrence. He became the state’s all-time leading scorer with 3,134 points and led his team to a state championship in 1990. Bailey was named Indiana Mr. Basketball the same year.
He went on to have a notable college career at Indiana University under coach Bob Knight and was drafted by the Indiana Pacers.
#2: Larry Bird (1971-1974)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 220 lbs
Larry Bird was a standout player at Springs Valley High School, known for his exceptional shooting and all-around game. He averaged 30.6 points and 20.5 rebounds per game in his senior year, earning All-State honors.
Bird’s legendary career continued at Indiana State University, where he led the Sycamores to the NCAA championship game in 1979. He became one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning three consecutive MVP awards from 1984 to 1986, three NBA championships, and two NBA Finals MVPs with the Boston Celtics. Bird was also known for his incredible three-point shooting.
Bird finished his NBA career with a 24.3 points per game scoring average and was a 12-time All-Star. He was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team, was a member of the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team,” and was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.
#1: Oscar Robertson (1954-1956)
Position: Guard
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 205 lbs
Oscar Robertson is widely regarded as one of the greatest high school basketball players in Indiana history. Playing for Crispus Attucks High School, he led his team to two state championships in 1955 and 1956, becoming the first all-black team to win a state title in the United States. Robertson was named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1956.
Robertson went on to have a legendary college career at the University of Cincinnati, where he was a three-time consensus All-American and led the nation in scoring three times.
In the NBA, Robertson was a 12-time All-Star, a nine-time All-NBA First Team selection, and won the NBA MVP award in 1964. He was instrumental in leading the Milwaukee Bucks to an NBA championship in 1971.
Robertson is famously known for averaging the first triple-double for an entire season (1961-62), a feat not repeated for over 55 years. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980 and was named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players in 1996 and one of the Top 75 Players in 2021.
