College Basketball Recruiting: 15 States That Produce the Most Prep Talent

One of the greatest things about our country is the diversity we live among. Not only do we serve as a melting pot for humans of all races, religion and cultures, but we also have a very diverse sports population. 

High school basketball stars come for all over our great nation. No matter if it's a rural shrimping town deep in the bayou of Louisiana, a coal mining town tucked away in the valleys of West Virginia or a thriving metropolis sitting comfortably along the shores of one of our wallowing oceans, our country's best basketball players can be found in any one of our proud 50 states.

However, much like the people who inhabit them, all states are not created equally. States like Wyoming and Idaho rarely produce a talent capable of becoming a professional basketball player. California, on the other hand, produces athletes of this caliber on a yearly basis. 

In particular, there are 15 states that have consistently produced prep basketball talent capable of entertaining our roundball fans from their days as high school stars, all the way to the prime of their glamorous careers as NBA athletes.

Most of these states vary in size, population, culture and climate, but they all have one important thing in common...their reputation as high school basketball factories. Here is a look at the states who have been churning out the most talent over the past decade or so.  

New Jersey

New Jersey has been pumping out highly rated recruits for years, with many of them coming from the highly populated northern New Jersey suburbs of the Big Apple. The state is also home to legendary St. Anthony's High School in Jersey City, which is coached by Hall of Fame head coach Bob Hurley. St. Patrick's is also a nationally renowned program from the northern fringes of the state.

Prep Alumni:

Andrew Bynum, J.R. Smith, Luol Deng, Charlie Villanueva, Kyrie Irving, Randy Foye, Troy Murphy, Jay Williams, Dominic Cheek, Dexter Strickland, Mike Rosario, Tyshawn Taylor, Samardo Samuels, Corey Fisher, DeSean Butler, Earl Clark, Derrick Caracter, Dexter Strickland, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Tyrone Johnson, Myles Mack, Dajuan Wagner.

State's Current No. 1 Schoolboy Star:

Kyle Anderson is a 6'8'' PG/SG/SF and virtual lock for the 2012 McDonald's All-American game. He is arguably the nations No. 1 player in his high school class. He is one of the most unique prospects to hit the high school basketball scene in quite some time. His basketball I.Q. is off the charts, and odds are that he will be an NBA player within the next three years.

Georgia

The Peach State is home to two of the NBA's biggest stars, the Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard and the hometown Atlanta Hawks Josh Smith. They also have bred many other stars who have gone on to successful NBA careers. Expect this trend to continue for many years to come. The class of 2012 is said to be the strongest senior class the state has ever seen, headlined by William "Shaq" Goodwin.

Prep Alumni:

Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, Derrick Favors, Lou Williams, Al Farouq-Aminu, Jodie Meeks, J.J. Hickson, Trey Thompkins,  Kwame Brown, Randolph Morris, Jeremy Lamb, Ryan Harrow.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Shaq Goodwin is a 6'8'' power forward who is also a football star at Southwest DeKalb High School. He is planning to play both basketball and football at the college level, and has narrowed his choices down to Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Memphis and UCLA. He is a likely 2012 McDonald's All-American and national top 15 prospect in the senior class.

New York

For as long as the game has been played, the state of New York has been a hot spot for high school basketball talent, in large part because of New York City. The Big Apple has a tendency to produce premium point guards, with Kemba Walker being the latest big-name alum. The Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) is known for its illustrious history, including big name schools like Rice and St. Raymond's. 

Prep Alumni:

Ben Gordon, Kemba Walker, Jonny Flynn, Lance Stephenson, Andray Blatche, Sebastian Telfair, Tobias Harris, Erick Barkley, Julius Hodge, Taliek Brown, Andre Barrett, Omar Cook, Alan Ray, Erving Walker.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

6'8'' 280 giant Dajuan Coleman is the state's latest and greatest high school talent. The Syracuse product is one of the most coveted post prospects this year, and he will either suit up for the Syracuse Orange, Ohio State Buckeyes or Kentucky Wildcats.

North Carolina

When you think of great basketball, the state of North Carolina comes to mind. Not only was the greatest NBA player of all time, Michael Jordan, raised in Wilmington, but Duke and North Carolina are the blueprint programs for basketball excellence in America. The high school basketball scene mirrors the quality basketball played in the state, and the current high school prospects show no sign of the state having a shortage in great players any time in the near future.

Prep Alumni:

Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, John Wall, Eric Maynor, Rashad McCants, Marquis Daniels, Chris Wilcox, JamesOn Curry, Shavlik Randolph, C.J. Leslie, Reggie Bullock, Quincy Miller, Deuce Bello, Seth Curry.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Rodney Purvis is the state's next NBA hopeful. The powerfully built 6'4'' combo guard has been hyped since middle school as one of America's next best basketball players. The recent N.C. State commitment is a potential one-and-done prospect, who is aiming for a successful professional career, like his friend and mentor, John Wall.

Florida

The Sunshine State may be known for its tremendous football talent, but its kids can also play elite basketball as well. Amar'e Stoudemire is currently the royalty of the their basketball talent, but there are many rising stars who have the potential for lengthy NBA careers, especially incoming Duke freshman sensation Austin Rivers. 

Prep Alumni:

Amar'e Stoudemire, Udonis Haslem, Brandon Knight, Chandler Parsons, Nick Calathes, Kenny Boynton, Darius Washington, Damien Wilkins, Ted Dupay, Rashad Anderson, Patric Young, Austin Rivers.

State's Current No. 1 Schoolboy Star:

Massive center Joel James is Florida's next top prep talent. The 6'10'' 270 pound big man is a recent North Carolina commit, and once he lands on Tobacco Road, his tremendous upside should evolve rapidly. The West Palm Beach product has the tools to make a living playing the game of basketball, and there's not many better places to refine his skills than under legendary head coach Roy Williams.

Alabama

By taking one look at the list of star alumni from the state of Alabama, you can tell that they have quite a resume of talented post players. The best of the bunch is former Kentucky star and current Sacramento King big man DeMarcus Cousins. With a few more seasons of experience in the league, he could turn into an NBA All-Star. Though the state lacks a current high school superstar, I would almost guarantee that within the next three to four seasons, a quality power forward/center prospect will be tearing through the southeastern prep power.

Prep Alumni:

DeMarcus Cousins, D.J. White, Jamario Moon, Gerald Wallace, Eric Bledsoe, James Lang, Marvin Stone, Rod Grizzard, Mario Austin, Kennedy Winston, Ronald Steele, Richard Hendrix, Stanley Robinson, JaMychal Green.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Deondre Haynes is a 6'2'' shooting guard and one of the top 150 players in the class of 2012. He has a lengthy list of high-major suitors, and will end up playing at the highest level of college basketball.

Maryland

Though Washington D.C. isn't a part of the state of Maryland, for all intents and geographical purposes, they are counted in this list. The nation's capital produces many national sports stars, and it will continue to do so. Baltimore is also known for its high school basketball, and its current pride and joy is 5'7'' wunderkind point guard Aquille Carr, who has the best handle of any point guard currently lacing them up. Though this state is small in area, it's huge in basketball stars.

Prep Alumni:

Rudy Gay, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Michael Beasley, Roy Hibbert, Joey Dorsey, Dajuan Summers, Jeff Green, Donte Greene, Steve Francis, Keith Bogans, Delonte West, Josh Boone, Juan Dixon, Joe Forte.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Justin Anderson is as athletic a specimen as you will find at the high school level. The 6'5'' shooting guard prospect from Montrose Christian has used the past high school season and spring/summer AAU circuit to climb the national rankings. He is committed to the University of Virginia, which is a major steal for Cavaliers head coach Tony Bennett. When the final rankings for the class of 2012 come out, look for the high-riser to be safely within the top 30 prospects in America.

Texas

Another state known for its high school football, and another state spitting out elite basketball players. Houston and Dallas lead the way in terms of producing these stars, but talented ball players come from all over the Lone Star State. If its current high school stars are any indication, Texas may be one of the top three basketball states for the next four-plus years to come.

Prep Alumni:

Chris Bosh, Deron Williams, Rashard Lewis, Daniel Gibson, C.J. Miles, Gerald Green, Darrell Arthur, T.J. Ford, LaMarcus Aldridge, Emeka Okafor, John Henson, LeBryan Nash, DeAndre Jordan.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Center prospect Isaiah Austin will be the next Texas sized prospect to make millions playing professionally. The 7'0'' prospect combines his big man skills with the handle of a guard, while being able to step out and make defenders pay with his shooting ability. He is a lock to be a McDonald's All-American, and the future Baylor Bear will only be biding his time in Waco until the NBA Draft comes calling.

California

One look at the list of prep alumni from the powerhouse out west, and you realize their depth of talent on a yearly basis. From Los Angeles to Oakland, and anywhere in between, you will find a plethora of basketball players destined for Division 1 programs. Mater Dei High School is a nationally known powerhouse program, along with some of LA's city schools. You want basketball at its best? Head west, my friend.

Prep Alumni:

Baron Davis, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Andre Miller, Tayshuan Prince, Leon Powe, Jrue Holiday, Jason Kapono, Amir Johnson, Brook Lopez, Robin Lopez, Gilbert Arenas, Tyson Chandler, Josh Childress, Drew Gooden, DeMar DeRozan, Jarron Collins, Jason Collins, Darren Collison, Matt Barnes, Chase Budinger, Austin Daye, Bobby Brown, Hassan Adams, Aaron Afflalo, Trevor Ariza, Jordan Farmar, Landry Fields, Taj Gibson, DeShawn Stevenson.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Arizona commitment Brandon Ashley is the next prospect oozing potential. The Bay Area product is a 6'8'' power forward known for his rim shattering dunks and skilled post moves. Once in Tucson, look for head coach Sean Miller to mold this big man into a Pac-12 star.

Louisiana

The Pelican State's basketball talent pool is about as big as Glen "Big Baby" Davis' personality. Not only does the state produce big talent, but they have a great fan base for the sport, evidenced by support for the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Hornets. The best player the state has produced in the past decade or so is the Pacer's Danny Granger. The All-Star forward will be starring in the "league of play for pay" for years to come.

Prep Alumni:

Brandon Bass, Stromile Swift, Tyrus Thomas, Marcus Thornton, Glen Davis, Chris Duhon, Danny Granger, Greg Monroe, Paul Millsap, Marcus Fizer. 

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Manchild Ricardo Gathers can easily be confused for a high school football stud, but don't get it twisted, the boy has serious basketball skills. The 6'6'' 235 pound chiseled prospect uses his brute strength to dominate opponents, and its gotten him a national top 40 ranking along the way in the class of 2012. He recently committed to St. John's, taking his big game to the big stage, Madison Square Garden.

Washington

The king of hoops in the great northwest is without a doubt Seattle, Washington. The city has produced a steady stream of NBA players in the past, and it has intensified over the past few years. While they no longer have a professional team, that doesn't mean they aren't capable of fielding a homegrown team of professional basketball players. Next in line is University of Washington freshman stud Tony Wroten Jr, hailing from the Emerald City.

Prep Alumni:

Brandon Roy, Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford, Marvin Williams, Aaron Brooks, Jon Brockman, Avery Bradley, Spencer Hawes, Abdul Gaddy, Martell Webster, Terrence Williams, Tony Wroten Jr., Rodney Stuckey.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Class of 2013 prospect Zach Lavine is a 6'1'' point guard known for his lightning quick speed and athleticism. The junior is being hounded by most of the Pac-12 as well as national power Gonzaga. Expect the hype for the top 100 prospect to pick up this basketball season, now that Seattle superstar Tony Wroten Jr. is off to the University of Washington.

Pennsylvania

The Keystone State is littered with past and present basketball talent. From Wilt Chamberlain, to Kobe Bryant, to one of the newest NBA stars, Tyreke Evans, Pennsylvania is no joke on the basketball court. Philadelphia is home to many of the state's finest young talents, but neighboring city Chester has its own lore in high school basketball. Pittsburgh has even picked up its talent pool. In what used to be a purely football region, DeJuan Blair put the Steel City on the map with his rare rebounding and overall roundball skills.

Prep Alumni:

Tyreke Evans, Richard Hamilton, Gerry McNamara Kyle Lowry, Jameer Nelson, John Salmons, Hakim Warrick, DeJuan Blair, Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson, Rasual Butler, Aaron Gray, Rakeem Christmas, Maalik Wayns, Terrelle Pryor.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Chester High School is the standard of Pennsylvania high school basketball. They have won a record seven AAAA state championships, with the latest coming this past season. The most gifted player on that squad was 6'6'' point-forward Rondae Jefferson, a top 20 prospect in the class of 2013. The brother of Temple small forward Rahlir, the younger Jefferson already has offers from several major programs, but he has dreams of playing for the North Carolina Tarheels. If he keeps working hard, an offer may be coming his way.

Illinois

Illinois is a high school hoops hotbed, and mostly because of the city of Chicago. The Chicago Public League is packed with quality basketball, and you can always count on it to deliver numerous prospects to the Division 1 level. Derrick Rose and Dwyane Wade lead Chi-Town in its quest to become the best basketball city in America. Though Illinois isn't the best state for high school basketball, it is one of the best 15.

Prep Alumni:

Dwyane Wade, Derrick Rose, Shannon Brown, Tony Allen, Eddy Curry, Andre Iguodala, Corey Maggette, Shaun Livingston, Quentin Richardson, Darius Miles, Bobby Simmons, Leon Smith, Evan Turner, Julian Wright,  Dee Brown, Will Bynum, Sherron Collins, Brian Cook, Anthony Davis, Wilson Chandler.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Hailing from none other than the Windy City, Jabari Parker is ready to take on the pressure of being the next great athlete from the state of Illinois. The 6'8'' swingman has a skill set reminiscent of Carmelo Anthony and no matter where he chooses to play his college ball, which could be any school in America, the junior will be in the NBA within the next three years.

Tennessee

To put it bluntly, the only reason Tennessee is on this list is because of the city of Memphis. Recently, the city has started churning out talent at a rapid pace, with the latest being class of 2011 McDonald's All-American Adonis Thomas. Looking at the current group of high school athletes in the city, Memphis could be looking at a record setting 10 year clip of basketball talent within the next five years. 

Prep Alumni:

Thaddeus Young, Brandan Wright, Shawn Marion, Lester Hudson, Corey Brewer, Antonio Burks, Adonis Thomas, Joe Jackson, John Jenkins, Leslie McDonald, Elliott Williams.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Power forward Jarnell Stokes is a bruising 6'7'' 230 pound prospect hailing from, of course, Memphis. He is one of the top 10 prospects in the senior class, and has his eyes set on a big senior season. I expect an intense battle to ensue between the Tennessee Volunteers and Memphis Tigers to land the future McDonald's All-American. 

Indiana

When you think of basketball, you think of the Hoosier State, and with good reason. The Indiana Hoosiers are one of the most successful basketball programs in the country, and its fanbase is rivaled by very few others. Its high school fans are on the same level, intensity wise. The state is home to some of the most breathtaking high school gyms, and the kids grow up with a basketball in their crib. Indiana basketball is the sport in its purest and most beautiful form.

Prep Alumni:

Eric Gordon, Rodney Carney, Mike Conley, Greg Oden, George Hill, Gordon Hayward, Jared Jeffries, Courtney Lee, Sean May, Josh McRoberts, Jeff Teague, Marquis Teague, Zach Randolph, DeShaun Thomas, Tyler Zeller, Cody Zeller.

State's No. 1 Current Schoolboy Star:

Gary Harris earns the distinction as being the state's next best basketball talent. The 6'5'' shooting guard has steadily rose in the national rankings after a standout spring/summer. He is being heavily pursued by John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats, as well as Tom Crean's Indiana Hoosiers. In the senior class, he is a top 25 player.