Georgia's Basketball Legacy

Georgia has long been a hotbed for basketball talent, producing some of the most iconic players in both the NBA and WNBA. From Dwight Howard to Maya Moore, these athletes have left an indelible mark on the sport. Here’s a look at the top high school hoopers from Georgia since 2000, based on their high school achievements, on-court dominance, and long-term legacy.

Men's Basketball

1. Dwight Howard - Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, Class of 2004

   • Achievements: Averaged 25 points, 18 rebounds, 8.1 blocks, and 3.5 assists as a senior. Won state title and swept national awards.
   • Legacy: Drafted No. 1 overall in 2004, 8-time NBA All-Star, 3-time Defensive Player of the Year, and NBA champion.

2. Jaylen Brown - Wheeler High School, Class of 2015

   • Achievements: Led Wheeler to a 30-3 record and state title. Named Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
   • Legacy: 4-time NBA All-Star, 2024 NBA Finals MVP, and NBA champion.

3. Lou Williams - South Gwinnett High School, Class of 2005

   • Achievements: 4-time all-state selection, state champion, and Parade National Player of the Year.
   • Legacy: NBA’s all-time leading scorer off the bench, 3-time Sixth Man of the Year.

4. Anthony Edwards - Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Class of 2019

   • Achievements: Averaged 25.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as a senior.
   • Legacy: 3-time NBA All-Star and SEC Freshman of the Year.

5. Isaiah Collier - Wheeler High School, Class of 2023

   • Achievements: Led Wheeler to three state titles. Named Naismith Player of the Year and Georgia’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
   • Legacy: Pac-12 All-Freshman team, drafted No. 29 overall in 2024.

Women's Basketball

1. Maya Moore - Collins Hill High School, Class of 2007

   • Achievements: 2-time Naismith Player of the Year, 3-time state champion.
   • Legacy: 4-time WNBA champion, WNBA Finals MVP, and UConn legend.

2. Diamond DeShields - Norcross High School, Class of 2013

   • Achievements: Naismith Player of the Year, led Norcross to three state titles.
   • Legacy: 2021 WNBA champion and National Freshman of the Year.

3. Asia Durr - St. Pius X Catholic School, Class of 2015

   • Achievements: 2-time state champion, back-to-back Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year.
   • Legacy: ACC Player of the Year, drafted No. 2 overall in 2019.

4. Dearica Hamby - Norcross High School, Class of 2011

   • Achievements: 2-time state champion, Wake Forest’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder.
   • Legacy: 2-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year, 2022 WNBA champion.

5. T'ea Cooper - McEachern High School, Class of 2015

   • Achievements: 3-time state champion, co-MVP of McDonald’s All-American game.
   • Legacy: Collegiate star at Tennessee, South Carolina, and Baylor.

Conclusion

Georgia’s high school basketball scene has produced some of the most remarkable talents in basketball history. These players have not only excelled at the high school level but have also gone on to achieve greatness in the NCAA, NBA, and WNBA, cementing Georgia’s place as a basketball powerhouse.