Introduction

California has long been a breeding ground for basketball talent, producing some of the most iconic players in both the WNBA and NBA. As part of SportsCenter's "50 States in 50 Days" tour, we spotlight the top boys and girls hoopers from California based on their high school career achievements.

Men's Basketball Legends

1. LaMelo Ball, Chino Hills High School

LaMelo Ball is one of the most electrifying players to come out of California. Known for his scoring prowess, Ball averaged 27.5 points per game as a sophomore and famously scored 92 points in a single game. He skipped college to play professionally in Australia and was drafted No. 3 overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 2020.

2. Kawhi Leonard, Martin Luther King High School

Kawhi Leonard may not have been a household name in high school, but his dominance at Martin Luther King High School was undeniable. He led his team to a 30-3 record and a CIF-Southern Section Division I-AA title. Leonard has since become a two-time NBA champion and Finals MVP.

3. Evan Mobley, Rancho Christian School

Evan Mobley wrapped up his high school career as the No. 3 overall prospect in the ESPN 100. He led Rancho Christian to multiple titles and was named Morgan Wooten National High School Player of the Year. Mobley is now a key player for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

4. Jrue Holiday, Campbell Hall High School

Jrue Holiday was a four-year varsity starter and earned California Mr. Basketball honors. He led Campbell Hall to a Division IV state title and was named Gatorade National Player of the Year. Holiday has since won two NBA titles and been named to the All-Defensive First Team three times.

5. Jalen Green, Prolific Prep

Jalen Green was a dynamic force in high school, averaging 31.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and five assists as a senior. He finished No. 1 overall in the ESPN 100 and opted for the G League over college. Green is now a rising star with the Houston Rockets.

Women's Basketball Legends

1. Diana Taurasi, Don Antonio Lugo High School

Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest players in WNBA history. She averaged 28.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game as a senior and was named the 2000 Naismith and Parade Magazine National High School Player of the Year. Taurasi has since won three WNBA titles and is the league's all-time scoring leader.

2. Kelsey Plum, La Jolla Country Day School

Kelsey Plum led La Jolla Country Day School to a state title and averaged 27.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.7 steals, and 3.3 assists per game as a senior. She became the NCAA's all-time scoring leader and was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft. Plum has won two WNBA titles and been named an All-Star four times.

3. Sabrina Ionescu, Miramonte High School

Sabrina Ionescu set the school record with 2,606 points and led Miramonte to the CIF open division title game. She became the first player in NCAA history with 2,000 career points, 1,000 career rebounds, and 1,000 career assists. Ionescu was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft and helped the New York Liberty capture their first WNBA title in 2024.

4. Candice Wiggins, La Jolla Country Day

Candice Wiggins was a four-year letterwinner in both basketball and volleyball. She led La Jolla Country Day to two state titles and was named CIF Player of the Year each year of high school. Wiggins was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA draft and helped the Minnesota Lynx claim a WNBA title in 2011.

5. JuJu Watkins, Sierra Canyon School

JuJu Watkins headlined a Sierra Canyon squad to a 31-1 record and the CIF-Southern Section Open Division title. She averaged 27.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.7 blocks as a senior. Watkins was named Gatorade National Player of the Year and is now a rising star at USC.

Conclusion

California continues to produce some of the most talented basketball players in the world. From high school legends to WNBA and NBA stars, these players have left an indelible mark on the game of basketball.