The San Francisco Bay Area has long been a hotbed for basketball talent, producing some of the greatest players in the game’s history. From the hardwood legends of decades past to modern-day stars, the Bay’s hoops legacy stretches from San Jose to Oakland to San Francisco and everywhere in between.
The roots run deep. Bill Russell, one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, attended McClymonds High School in Oakland before leading the University of San Francisco to two NCAA championships and later winning 11 NBA titles with the Boston Celtics. His journey set the tone for generations of Bay Area players to come.
Over the years, the region has produced an impressive list of ultra-talented athletes who have left their mark at the high school, college, and professional levels. Pound for pound, Oakland has arguably been the most prolific talent factory, but the entire Bay has contributed to the area’s rich basketball tradition.
The Bay’s reputation for producing elite players is fueled by its strong high school programs, many of which are perennial state contenders. Some of the most notable basketball powerhouses include:
Salesian (Richmond), McClymonds (Oakland), Oakland Tech (Oakland), De La Salle (Concord), St. Mary’s (Albany), Archbishop Mitty (San Jose), Bishop O’Dowd (Oakland).
With such a wealth of talent, selecting an All-Time Bay Area Basketball Team is no easy task. The list would need to balance legendary pioneers with modern stars, blending skill, accolades, and impact on the game.
Best All-Time Bay Area 1st Team
C - Bill Russell
High School: McClymonds HS, Oakland
College: University of San Francisco
NBA Draft: 2nd Overall 1956
NBA Stats: 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.5 BPG
Accolades: 11x NBA Champion, 5x NBA MVP, Hall of Fame, 12x NBA All-Star, 2x NCAA Champion
Bill Russell is often considered the greatest winner in NBA history. His unmatched defensive prowess and ability to control the paint made him the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics’ dynasty during the 1950s and 1960s. He was an incredible rebounder, a shot-blocking force, and an underrated passer. Russell’s leadership on defense — particularly his ability to alter games without scoring — is what set him apart. He changed the way basketball teams approached defense and helped cement the Celtics as the team of the 1960s, winning 11 championships in 13 seasons. The all-time winneist player in the history of team sports.
F - Aaron Gordon
High School: Archbishop Mitty HS, San Jose
College: Arizona
NBA Draft: 4th Overall 2014
NBA Stats: 14.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.5 APG
Accolades: McDonalds All-American, 1x NBA Champion
Aaron Gordon is best known for his jaw-dropping athleticism and dunking ability, which earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting players in the NBA. Gordon’s versatility is key to his game; he can guard multiple positions and contribute both as a scorer and a playmaker. His performance in the 2016 Dunk Contest where he faced off with Zach LaVine, became legendary, solidifying his place in NBA history. Gordon’s ability to change the game with his athleticism, particularly in fast breaks and alley-oops, makes him an essential part of any discussion about modern-day power forwards. Gordon played in the SF Pro-AM since he was 14 years old, sharpening his skills against pros several years older.
G - Damian Lillard
High School: Oakland HS, Oakland
College: Weber State
NBA Draft: 6th Overall 2012
NBA Stats: 24.8 PPG, 6.7 APG, 4.2 RPG
Accolades: 6x NBA All-Star, 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year, 7× All-NBA Team selections, 2x 3 Point Contest Champion
Damian Lillard is one of the most dynamic shooters and clutch players in the NBA today. What sets Lillard apart is his ability to score from anywhere on the floor, including a remarkable deep-range three-pointer that stretches defenses. Known for his ability to hit game-winning shots, Lillard’s leadership and ability to carry the Portland Trail Blazers in the toughest moments have cemented his legacy. His "Dame Time" performances in the postseason, where he often makes improbable buzzer-beaters, make him a fan favorite and an all-time great in the making. An underrated recruit he got limited college offers and was not ranked in the top 150 of his senior class.
G - Gary Payton
High School: Skyline HS, Oakland
College: Oregon State
NBA Draft: 2nd Overall 1990
NBA Stats: 16.3 PPG, 6.7 APG, 1.8 SPG
Accolades: 9x NBA All-Star, 1x Defensive Player of the Year, 1x NBA Champion, 9x All-NBA, 9x All-Defense
Gary Payton, known as "The Glove," was a tenacious defender who redefined what it meant to be a point guard. He was one of the best perimeter defenders in NBA history, and his ability to lock down opposing players was unparalleled. Payton’s trash-talking and intense demeanor on the court made him a unique personality, while his court vision and playmaking skills as a point guard also stood out. He was the engine of the Seattle SuperSonics during the 1990s and helped lead them to an NBA Finals appearance. Payton’s defensive accolades, including winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 1996, set him apart as one of the game's greatest all-around guards.
G - Jason Kidd
High School: St. Joseph HS, Alameda
College: California
NBA Draft: 2nd Overall 1994
NBA Stats: 12.6 PPG, 8.7 APG, 6.3 RPG
Accolades: McDonalds All-American, 10x NBA All-Star, NBA Rookie of The Year, 1x NBA Champion, 9× All-NBA, 9x All-Defense
Jason Kidd was a revolutionary point guard whose high basketball IQ and exceptional passing ability made him one of the most valuable players of his era. Known for his incredible court vision, Kidd could make pinpoint passes that few other players could even attempt. His leadership and playmaking skills led the New Jersey Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals in the early 2000s, but it was his time with the Dallas Mavericks that sealed his legacy, he played a pivotal role in their 2011 championship run. His rebounding ability, coupled with his scoring and elite assists, made him one of the most complete point guards in NBA history.
Best All-Time Bay Area 2nd Team
F - Paul Silas
High School: McClymonds High School, Oakland, California
College: Creighton University
NBA Draft: 10th Overall 1964
NBA Stats: 9.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 2.1 APG
Accolades: 3× NBA Champion (1974, 1976, 1979), 2× NBA All-Star (1972, 1975), 5× NBA All-Defensive Team (2× First Team, 3× Second Team), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1965)
Paul Silas was born in Prescott, Arkansas, and moved to Oakland, California, at a young age. He attended McClymonds High School, where he was a standout basketball player. He came off West Oakland’s DeFremery Park playground to follow Russell at McClymonds and lead that school to a 68-0 record over three varsity seasons. Nobody ever messed with Silas. He went on to play college basketball at Creighton University, earning second-team All-American honors in 1964. He was selected in the second round of the 1964 NBA Draft by the St. Louis Hawks and played 16 seasons in the NBA. Known for his rebounding, defense, and leadership on the court, Silas averaged 9.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game during his career. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and won three NBA championships. After retiring as a player, Silas became a head coach in the NBA for several teams, including the San Diego Clippers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Charlotte Bobcats. He was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
F - Willie Wise
High School: Balboa HS, San Francisco
College: City College of San Francisco, Drake University
NBA Draft: 64th Overall 1969
Pro Career Stats (ABA): 14.6 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.9 APG
Accolades: 1× ABA Champion (1971), 3× ABA All-Star, ABA All-Time Team, 2× ABA All-Defensive First Team
Willie Wise grew up in San Francisco and played at Balboa High School before making a name for himself in college and then professionally. Known for his smart and steady game, he was a strong forward who could score, rebound, and defend without needing the spotlight. Wise was one of the best two-way forwards of his era, especially in the ABA, where he averaged around 14 points and 7.6 rebounds per game over his career. He played a key role in leading the Utah Stars to the 1971 ABA Championship, serving as the team’s leading scorer in the finals. Wise was known for showing up in big games with poise and toughness, often guarding the other team’s best scorer while contributing efficiently on offense. Because his prime was spent in the ABA, his career has largely been forgotten.
G - Amen Thompson
High School: Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Overtime Elite Academy in Atlanta, Georgia
NBA Draft: 4th Overall 2023
NBA Stats: 11.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 3.3 APG
Accolades: McDonald's All-American
Amen Thompson grew up in Oakland California. Entering eighth grade, Thompson and his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida so that he and Ausar could play high school basketball one year early at Pine Crest School. He played for Overtime Elite with his twin brother Ausar. Drafted 4th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, he has quickly made an impact as a versatile guard. Over his first two NBA seasons, Amen has averaged 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Known for his elite athleticism, strong defense, and play making ability, he is widely regarded as one of the league’s most promising young two-way players.
To trace the roots of Rockets' rising star, you're best served traveling to the concrete courts outside Bancroft Middle School in San Leandro, California. "The Bancroft days. Those were legit," Thompson told Chron as he recalled childhood battles against Ausar Thompson, his twin brother and current Detroit Pistons wing. "A lot of fights, a lot on the concrete, too. A lot of scrapes at the end of those. "My dad would be yelling at us because we're fighting. He'd [make us] run the track because we started fighting."
G - Phil Chenier
High School: Berkeley High School, Berkeley, California
College: University of California, Berkeley
NBA Draft: 4th Overall 1971
NBA Stats: 17.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.0 APG
Accolades: 1x NBA Champion (1978), 3× NBA All-Star (1974, 1975, 1977), All-NBA Second Team (1975), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1972), No. 45 retired by Washington Wizards
Phil Chenier grew up in Berkeley and played at Berkeley High School dynasty before starring at the University of California. He was drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in 1971 and spent most of his NBA career with the franchise. Known for his scoring ability, basketball IQ, and leadership, Chenier averaged 17.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game over 10 seasons. He was a key player on the Bullets’ 1978 NBA Championship team and earned three All-Star selections. In honor of his impact, the Washington Wizards retired his jersey number 45. Widely considered to be one of the most underrated and forgotten players of the 1970's.
G - Phil Smith
High School: George Washington High School, San Francisco, California
College: University of San Francisco
NBA Draft: 29th Overall 1974
NBA Stats: 15.1 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.9 APG
Accolades: 2× NBA All-Star (1976, 1977), 1x NBA Champion (1975), All-NBA Second Team (1976), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1976), No. 20 retired by USF
Had it not been for the Achilles tendon injury he sustained in his fifth pro season, Phil Smith might be remembered today as one of the greatest guards to play in the NBA. As it was, he left his mark as one of the best basketball players San Francisco has ever produced. Phil Smith was born on April 22, 1952, in San Francisco and attended George Washington High School, where he excelled in both basketball and football. Despite being lightly recruited out of high school, he enrolled at the University of San Francisco (USF) in 1971. At USF, he led the team in scoring each season, culminating in an All-American selection in 1974. He was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in the second round of the 1974 NBA Draft. He averaged at least 19 points per game for four straight seasons after his rookie year, until the fateful torn Achilles sidetracked his career in 1979. Smith played nine seasons in the NBA for the Warriors, San Diego Clippers, and Seattle SuperSonics. He was known for his scoring, playmaking, and defensive abilities. Smith averaged 15.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game over his career. He was a two-time NBA All-Star and was part of the Warriors' 1975 NBA Championship team. His number 20 jersey was retired by USF in recognition of his outstanding collegiate career. "He had size, he had athleticism, he could shoot the ball, he could go to the basket and he played tough defense," said Hall of Famer Rick Barry, Smith's teammate on that title team. "Had he not gotten hurt, he could have been a really outstanding player. But he had a terrific career anyway."
Best All-Time Bay Area 3rd Team
F - Antonio Davis
High School: McClymonds HS, Oakland
College: UTEP
NBA Draft: 45th Overall 1990
NBA Stats: 10.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.1 APG
Accolades: 1x NBA All-Star, 1x All Defensive Team
Antonio Davis grew up in Oakland and played at McClymonds High School, where he developed a reputation for being tough and dependable. He played college basketball at UTEP before a steady NBA career mostly as a physical power forward and center known for his defense and rebounding. Over his career, he averaged 10 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Davis was named an NBA All-Star once in 2001 and earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors the same year. He was a key role player on playoff teams like the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers, valued for his toughness, consistency, and veteran leadership.
F - Cliff Robinson "Tree Top"
High School: Castlemont, Oakland, California
College: USC
NBA Draft: 11th Overall 1979
NBA Stats: 17.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG
Standing 6-foot-9, Cliff Robinson starred at Castlemont High in Oakland before playing college basketball at the University of Southern California. He was selected 11th overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 1979 NBA Draft and was the youngest player in the league for two straight seasons. Robinson had a strong rookie campaign, averaging 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. On March 9, 1980, he scored 45 points against Detroit, the most ever in an NBA game by a teenager. In 1986, he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers along with Jeff Ruland in exchange for Moses Malone. After leaving the NBA in 1989, Robinson returned for a final stint with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1991–92 season. He finished his career with averages of 17.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.
F - Ausar Thompson
High School: Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Overtime Elite Academy in Atlanta, Georgia
NBA Draft: 5th Overall 2023
NBA Stats: 9.4 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.1 APG
Ausar Thompson, selected 5th overall by the Detroit Pistons in the 2023 NBA Draft, has made a notable impact in his early NBA career. As a rookie, he played in 63 games, starting 38, and averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He led the team in both steals (68) and blocks (59), becoming the first Pistons player since Andre Drummond in the 2019–20 season to average at least 1.0 steal and 0.9 blocks per game in a season . Thompson's defensive prowess was highlighted by his debut performance, where he recorded four points, seven rebounds, three assists, and five blocks, making him the youngest player in NBA history to achieve at least five blocks in a debut game . In the 2024–25 season, he continued to develop, averaging 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, with a field goal percentage of 53.5% . His versatility and defensive skills have made him a key contributor to the Pistons' lineup
G- JR Rider
High School: Encinal High School, Alameda, California
College: Allen County Community College (KS), Antelope Valley College (CA), UNLV
NBA Draft: 5th Overall 1993
NBA Stats: 16.7 PPG, 2.7 APG, 3.8 RPG
Accolades: NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion (1994)
JR Rider grew up in Alameda and starred at Encinal High School, where he was one of the top-rated players in California. He began his college career at Allen County Community College in Kansas, averaging over 30 points per game, then transferred to Antelope Valley College in California, where he upped his scoring to about 33 points per game. Rider finished his collegiate career at UNLV, gaining national attention. Known as an explosive shooting guard with size, strength, speed, and impressive jumping ability, Rider was a classic athletic scorer. He played 10 seasons in the NBA, averaging 16.7 points, 2.7 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. Rider also won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest in 1994, showcasing his elite athleticism.
No doubt that JR Rider is best known for pioneering the between-the-legs dunk and winning the ’94 NBA SLAM Dunk Contest. Beyond his freakish jumping ability, JR could shoot the 3-ball and score at will as a youngster in the NBA. He was named to the All-Rookie First Team in ’94 and averaged 20 pts/game with Minnesota in his Sophomore season. While off-court issues plagued him for most of his career, he’s still remembered as one of the most acrobatic athletes the NBA has ever seen. Over 563 games from ’93-02, Rider averaged 16.7 pts, 3.8 rbs, and 2.7 asts. Shout out to Yinka Dare for the Mix.
G- Jeremy Lin
High School: Palo Alto High School, Palo Alto, California
College: Harvard University
NBA Draft: Undrafted 2010
NBA Stats: 11.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.3 APG
Jeremy Lin attended Palo Alto High School, where he was a standout basketball player. He led the Palo Alto Vikings to a California state championship in 2006 and was named to the All-State team. Lin went on to play college basketball at Harvard University, where he earned All-Ivy League honors. Despite going undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, Lin made a significant impact in the NBA, playing for several teams including the New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, and Toronto Raptors. He is best known for his "Linsanity" period with the Knicks in 2012, where he led the team to a seven-game winning streak and became an international sensation. Lin averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game over his NBA career and won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. After retiring from the NBA, Lin has been involved in various philanthropic efforts and continues to inspire others with his journey.
Best All-Time Bay Area 4th Team
F - Drew Gooden
High School: El Cerrito High School, El Cerrito, California
College: University of Kansas
NBA Draft: 4th Overall 2002
NBA Stats: 11.0 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.1 APG
Drew Gooden, a standout at El Cerrito High School in California, was a consensus top-50 national recruit in 1999. He led the Gauchos to the CIF Division III state championship game, where they narrowly lost to Washington Union High School, whose roster featured future NBA player DeShawn Stevenson . Gooden went on to play college basketball at the University of Kansas, where he earned All-Big 12 honors and was selected fourth overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies. Over his 14-season NBA career, Gooden played for 10 teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he had his most productive years, averaging 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during the 2006–07 season. He was known for his versatility, rebounding, and scoring ability, particularly in the paint. Gooden retired with career averages of 11.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game across 790 regular-season games.
F - Lamond Murray
High School: John F. Kennedy High School, Fremont, California
College: University of California, Berkeley
NBA Draft: 7th Overall 1994
NBA Stats: 11.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.3 APG
Lamond Murray grew up in Fremont and played at John F. Kennedy High School, where he was a standout basketball player. He went on to play college basketball at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned All-American honors. Murray was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers with the seventh overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft. He played 11 seasons in the NBA, averaging 11.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. Murray was known for his deep shooting ability, basketball IQ, and leadership on the court. After retiring from the NBA, Murray became involved in coaching and player development, working with younger players to help them improve their skills.
G - Brent Barry
High School: De La Salle HS, Concord, California
College: Oregon State
NBA Draft: 15th Overall 1995
NBA Stats: 9.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.2 APG
Accolades: 1996 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion, NBA All-Rookie Second Team 1996, 2x NBA Champion
Son of Golden State Warriors legend Rick Barry, Brent was a standout at De La Salle High School in Concord, California, was a two-year varsity starter who earned All-League and All-East Bay honors. Under the guidance of coach George Nessman, Barry developed into a versatile guard known for his basketball IQ and playmaking abilities. Despite being lightly recruited due to his slender frame, Barry's skills caught the attention of Oregon State University. He redshirted his first year at Oregon State and went on to have a successful college career, culminating in being selected 15th overall in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, though he was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers on draft night. Brent Barry had a solid NBA career spanning 14 seasons, known for his smooth shooting, high basketball IQ, and versatility as a guard. He played key roles on several teams, most notably winning two NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs in 2005 and 2007. Beyond scoring, he contributed as a reliable playmaker and was famous for winning the 1996 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the first white guy to win the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
I was not very highly recruited,” he says. “I had thoughts about going to prep school. Even our local schools, Cal and Stanford, didn’t recruit me that heavily. Oregon State was on me pretty early.”
In the summer after Barry’s junior year at De La Salle, OSU assistant coach Jim Shaw scouted him at a camp in Santa Barbara, Calif., run by Snow Valley Basketball Schools.
G - Eddie House
High School: Hayward High School, Hayward, California
College: Arizona State University
NBA Draft: 37th Overall 2000
NBA Stats: 7.5 PPG, 1.7 RPG, 1.6 APG
Accolades: 1x NBA Champion
Eddie House grew up in Berkeley, California, and played high school basketball at Hayward High School. House really wanted to suit up for his hometown Cal Bears, but he was never offered a scholarship. He went on to star at Arizona State University, where on January 8, 2000, he tied Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s then-Pac-10 scoring record by putting up 61 points in a double-overtime win over California. House shot 18 of 30 from the field, including 7 of 10 from three-point range, and made 18 of 19 free throws while playing all 50 minutes of the game. Drafted in the second round of the 2000 NBA Draft by the Miami Heat, House had an 11-season NBA career as a dynamic scorer and one of the league’s best three-point shooters, averaging 7.5 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He played for several teams but is best remembered for his role in the Boston Celtics’ 2008 NBA Championship run, where his clutch shooting and energy off the bench were crucial. After retiring, House transitioned to a career in basketball broadcasting.
G - K.C. Jones
High School: Commerce High School, San Francisco, California
College: University of San Francisco
NBA Draft: 13th Overall 1958
NBA Stats: 7.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.3 APG
Accolades: 8× NBA Champion as a player, 2× NCAA Champion (1955, 1956), Consensus Second‑Team All‑American (1956), Olympic Gold Medalist (1956), Hall of Fame Inductee (1989)
K.C. Jones grew up in San Francisco after moving there at age nine and attended Commerce High School. He became a key point guard at USF alongside Bill Russell, leading the Dons to back‑to‑back NCAA titles in 1955 and 1956 and pioneering the alley‑oop play. After college and a brief stint in the Army, Jones joined the Boston Celtics in 1958 and spent nine seasons with the team. He averaged 7.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while anchoring the Celtics’ championship runs, winning eight titles as a player. Known as a tenacious defender and cerebral floor general, Jones quietly held down the point guard position and contributed to one of the most dominant dynasties in NBA history.
Best All-Time Bay Area Honorable Mention
F - Leon Powe
High School: Oakland Tech HS, Oakland, California
College: CAL
NBA Draft: 49th Overall 2006
NBA Stats: 6.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 0.3 APG
Accolades: 1x NBA Champion, Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, All-Pac-10 First Team, McDonald’s All-American, Parade All-American
Leon Powe was one of the most dominant forwards to ever come out of the Bay Area. At Oakland Tech. Nicknamed "The Show" he packed gyms and left a legacy that still stands, leading the team to back-to-back CIF State title games while putting up huge numbers, including 27.4 points and 14.2 rebounds per game as a senior. He became the first Oakland Athletic League player selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game and had his No. 44 jersey retired by the school. Knee injuries robbed Powe of his ultimate potential, suffering two different ACL tears in just 3 seasons. After a strong freshman season at Cal, where he was named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, a serious knee injury sidelined him for a year. He returned in 2006 to earn All-Pac-10 First Team honors and entered the NBA Draft, where he slipped to the second round due to injury concerns. He won an NBA Championship with the 2008 Boston Celtics. Known for his physicality and toughness inside, Powe also spent time with the Cavaliers and Grizzlies before injuries cut his career short.
F - Kurt Rambis
High School: Cupurtino, San Francisco, California
College: University of Santa Clara
NBA Draft: Undrafted
NBA Stats: 7.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.3 APG - 5.2 PPG, 5.6 PPG, 1.1 APG
Accolades: 4x NBA Champion
Kurt Rambis grew up in Cupertino, California, and played at Cupertino High School. Rambis was an All-State Player at Cupertino High School before accepting a scholarship to Santa Clara University. He was discovered while playing in the competitive San Francisco Bay Area pro-am leagues, where his relentless work ethic and physical style caught the attention of scouts and coaches. Known for his tough defense, rebounding, and hustle, Rambis developed into a valuable role player in the NBA. Over his career, he averaged 5.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Rambis was a key contributor on multiple championship teams with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s, earning respect for his gritty play and team-first attitude.
G - Lester Connor
High School: Freemont High School Oakland, California
College: Oregon State
NBA Draft: 14th Overall 1982
NBA Stats: 6.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.9 APG
Conner began his collegiate career at Los Medanos Junior College in Pittsburg, California, where he averaged 25.2 points per game, leading his team to a 24–7 record. He then transferred to Chabot Junior College in Hayward, California, earning California Junior College Player of the Year honors. Subsequently, Conner joined Oregon State University, where he played under Hall of Fame coach Ralph Miller. In his senior season (1981–82), Conner led the Pac-10 in assists with an average of 5.1 per game, was the team's leading scorer with 14.6 points per game, and topped the team in rebounds with 145 boards. His performance earned him the 1982 Pac-10 Player of the Year award and an Associated Press All-American selection. Conner helped lead the Beavers to a 52–6 record over two seasons and an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament .
Drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the 14th overall pick in the 1982 NBA Draft, Conner played 12 seasons in the NBA, representing teams such as the Golden State Warriors, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, he averaged 6.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Conner was known for his defensive prowess and playmaking ability, contributing significantly as both a starter and a reserve. Conner's journey from junior college to the NBA exemplifies his resilience and dedication to the game. His accolades at Oregon State and his successful professional career have solidified his place in basketball history.
G - Brian Shaw
High School: Bishop O'Dowd High School, Oakland, California
College: UCSB
NBA Draft: 24th Overall 1988
NBA Stats: 6.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 4.2 APG
Accolades: 3x NBA Champion
Shaw started his college career at local St. Mary's before transferring to UC Santa Barbara (UCSB). Shaw was a clutch player and a valuable role player on some of the most interesting teams in NBA history. A reliable teammate of Shaquille O'Neal, Shaw was a key contributor on the mid-90s Orlando Magic team that reached the NBA Finals. He also played a crucial role on the Lakers' three-peat championship teams. Shaw began his career in Boston, where he watched Larry Bird and Kevin McHale wind down their careers. His second season was his best, averaging 13.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 7.6 APG.
G - Tyler Johnson
High School: St. Francis, Mountain View, California
College: Fresno State
NBA Draft: Undrafted
NBA Stats: 9.8 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.3
Mountain View standout Tyler Johnson is a silent assassin. Johnson played for WCAL juggernaut St. Francis in 2010 where they went 14-0 in league and 30-4 overall. Johnson then signed with Fresno State where he averaged 16 points, 3 assists, and 7 boards while shooting lights-out 43% from deep as a senior.
Johnson went undrafted in 2014 but he signed with Miami’s summer league team where he played well. When Dwyane Wade went down with an injury in 2015, Johnson stepped up admirably in his absence. He followed that up with a solid 9/2/3 line as a sophomore and then nearly 14/3/4 in his third year. Johnson signed a lucrative $50 million-dollar deal in the offseason making him one of the highest-paid bench players in the league.
Johnson is having another solid season in Miami where he’s knocking down a career-high 1.6 three pointers per game. Tyler is a smooth lefty capable of driving and slashing. I wouldn’t be surprised if he climbed a few spots in these NorCal rankings in the future.
Best All-Time Bay Area 5th Team
C - Greg Foster
High School: Skyline High School, Oakland, California
College: UTEP
NBA Draft: 35th Overall 1990
NBA Stats: 7.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 4.3 APG
Accolades: 1x NBA Champion
Greg Foster, a 6'11" center-power forward, was born in Oakland, California, and attended Skyline High School, where he played alongside future NBA point guard Gary Payton. Foster was the higher-ranked recruit over Payton at Skyline, and together, they formed a formidable duo in the East Bay. Foster began his collegiate basketball career at UCLA before transferring to the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). While at UTEP, he helped lead the Miners to two Western Athletic Conference (WAC) titles and averaged 15.0 points and 6.3 rebounds as a senior in the 1988-89 season.
After being selected in the second round (35th overall) of the 1990 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets, Foster spent 13 seasons in the NBA. He played for several teams, including the Washington Bullets, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Seattle SuperSonics, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors. As a key reserve player, Foster made it to the NBA Finals three times, twice with the Utah Jazz and once with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won an NBA Championship with the Lakers in 2001.
F - Joe Ellis
High School: McClymonds High School, Oakland, California
College: University of San Francisco
NBA Draft: 13th Overall 1966
NBA Stats: 8.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG
Joe Ellis attended McClymonds High School in Oakland, where from 1960 to 1962 he was part of three Tournament of Champions teams. He made the All-Tournament Team in both his varsity seasons and was named All-Tournament Most Valuable Player as a senior. He also earned All-City honors and was named Northern California Player of the Year in 1962. Ellis stayed in state for college, joining the University of San Francisco, where he played from 1963 to 1966. He earned First Team All-Conference honors each year, was named Northern California Player of the Year, and received an All-American honorable mention. In 1965, he was one of four juniors selected to represent the United States in the World University Games, scoring 1,120 points for the team, third-best all-time. He was inducted into the USF Hall of Fame in 1973 and named one of the university’s 75 “Legends of the Hilltop” in 2006 during its 150th anniversary.
In the 1966 NBA Draft, Ellis was selected in the second round (13th overall) by the San Francisco Warriors. He played eight seasons with the franchise, which relocated to Oakland in 1971, and totaled 4,825 career points, averaging 8.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. He posted double-figure scoring averages in three straight seasons, including a career-best 15.8 points per game in 1969–70.
G - Rex Walters
High School: Independence, San Jose, California
College: Kansas University
NBA Draft: 16th Overall 1993
NBA Stats: 6.0 PPG, 1.2 RPG
Rex Walters began his high school basketball career at Piedmont Hills High School in San Jose before graduating from Independence High School, also in San Jose. After starting his college career elsewhere, he transferred to the University of Kansas in 1990 and played two seasons under coach Roy Williams. In 68 starts with the Jayhawks, Walters averaged 15.6 points per game and led the team in scoring during both his junior and senior seasons. Kansas went a combined 56–12 during that span, winning consecutive Big Eight titles and advancing to the Final Four in 1993. Walters earned All-Big Eight honors both years and was named Big Eight Male Athlete of the Year as a senior. He averaged 16.0 points per game in his junior year when the team went 27–5, and followed with 15.3 points per game as a senior on a 29–7 squad. He was selected 16th overall in the 1993 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets and went on to play seven seasons in the NBA with the Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Miami Heat, averaging 6.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
G - Jon Barry
High School: De la Salle, Concord, California
College: Georgia Tech
NBA Draft: 21st Overall 1992
NBA Stats: 5.7 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.2 APG
The sweet-shooting Barry brother attended De La Salle High School, following in the footsteps of his siblings. After brief stints at the University of the Pacific and Paris Junior College, he earned a basketball scholarship to Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Upon leaving Georgia Tech, he was selected in the first round of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, but chose not to sign a contract and sat out the season.
G - Charles Johnson
High School: Sequoia HS Redwood City, California
College: Cal
NBA Draft: 6th Round 1971
NBA Stats: 8.1 PPG, 1.9 APG, 2.5 RPG
Charles Johnson was a standout guard at Sequoia High School in Redwood City before starring at the University of California, Berkeley, where he scored over 1,000 points in three seasons and earned First Team All-Pac-8 honors in 1969. Known for his defensive toughness and scoring ability, he became one of the most respected guards in Cal history. Selected in the sixth round of the 1971 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors, Johnson played seven NBA seasons. At 6 feet tall and 170 pounds, he brought energy and efficiency, spending five seasons with Golden State before finishing his career with the Washington Bullets. Over 521 regular season games, he averaged 8.1 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, winning NBA titles with the Warriors in 1975 and the Bullets in 1978. In the 1975 playoffs, he averaged 12.5 points, highlighted by a 24-point game against Seattle, and during Washington’s championship run in 1978, he provided key scoring off the bench with over 10 points per game in the postseason.
Best All-Time Bay Area Best of The Rest
F - Jim Pollard - Oakland Tech - Stanford - NBA
The first star out of Oakland Tech, one of the great NBA players of the early ’50s, a noted leaper and worthy sidekick to George Mikan as the Minneapolis Lakers won five titles in six years (1949-54).
F - Tom Meschery - Lowell, San Francisco, CA - Saint Mary's - NBA
Born in China and raised in San Francisco, Tom Meschery starred at Lowell High School before attending Saint Mary’s College, where he led the team to the Elite Eight in 1959. A two-time All-American and the 1961 West Coast Conference Player of the Year, Meschery graduated with a B.A. that same year and went on to a 10-year NBA career (1961–1971). He played for the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors and the Seattle SuperSonics, earning an NBA All-Star selection in 1963—the first foreign-born player to receive that honor. The Warriors retired his No. 14 jersey and even incorporated the number into their team logo from 1967 to 1974 in tribute to his legacy
F - Nate Williams - McClymonds, Oakland, CA - Utah State - NBA
A standout at McClymonds High School in Oakland, Nate Williams earned a scholarship to Utah State, where he averaged nearly 20 points and 8 rebounds per game over two seasons. The 6'5" shooting guard went on to play in the NBA from 1971 to 1979. He posted career highs of 15.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game during the 1974 season with the Kansas City-Omaha Kings (formerly Royals).
F - Mark Madsen - San Ramon Valley, Danville, CA - Stanford - NBA
Known as the "Mad Dog" Madsen worked his way into the NBA. A product of San Ramon Valley High School and Stanford, was a favorite of Shaq during his first few NBA seasons.
F -Juan Anderson - Castro Valley, Oakland, CA - Marquette - NBA
As a senior, Juan Toscano-Anderson led Castro Valley High School to a record-breaking 30–2 season in 2010–11, capturing the program’s first league and North Coast Section titles and advancing to the Northern California Division I championship game. He averaged 16.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, earning first-team all-league, all-metro, and third-team all-state honors. Ranked 61st nationally by Rivals.com among 2011 recruits, Toscano-Anderson went on to an NBA career that included winning the 2022 NBA Finals with the Golden State Warriors.
G - Brandon Armstrong - Vallejo, CA - Pepperdine - NBA
Brandon Armstrong starred at Vallejo High School, playing alongside future Georgetown center Wesley Wilson and future MLB All-Star CC Sabathia in one of the most talent-packed lineups in Northern California history. As a senior, he led the Apaches to a 32–2 record, with both losses coming to powerhouse St. Joseph. In the Division I Northern California championship, he scored 17 points in a hard-fought 57–50 loss to St. Joseph. Armstrong went on to Pepperdine University, where he became one of the West Coast’s most dynamic scorers, averaging 14.4 points per game as a sophomore and 22.1 as a senior. Selected 23rd overall in the 2001 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets and traded to the New Jersey Nets, he spent three seasons in the NBA. A lingering back injury limited his availability, including just 17 appearances during the 2002–03 season, and he finished his career with an average of 2.2 points per game.
G - Will Cherry, McClymonds, Oakland, CA - Montana - NBA
At McClymonds High School, Will Cherry led his team to a perfect 33–0 record as a senior, averaging 12 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals per game. He earned both team and league MVP honors before heading to the University of Montana, where he became a two-time Big Sky Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2013). Cherry had a brief stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers before building a successful overseas career with stops in Lithuania, Germany, Turkey, Croatia, Greece, and Italy.
F - Ivan Rabb - Bishop O'Dowd, Oakland, CA - CAL - NBA
A four-year standout at Oakland’s Bishop O’Dowd High School, Ivan Rabb was ranked in the national top 10 by nearly every major recruiting service and was widely expected to have a long NBA career. He played well at Cal but fell short of the lofty expectations placed on him from a young age. In the NBA, Rabb averaged 5.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist per game.
G - Jared Cunningham - San Leandro, CA - Oregon St - NBA
The high flying swingman was a top 75 recruit nationally at San Leandro High School. He attended Oregon State before having a cup of coffee in the NBA.
G - DeMarcus Nelson - Vallejo, CA - Duke - NBA
He committed to Duke as a sophmore and was California career scoring leader for more than 20 years. He played 4 seasons at Duke, before playing for his hometown Golden State Warriors.
G - Jabari Bird - Salesian, Richmond, CA - CAL - NBA
The talented shooting guard played as Salesian High School and was named to the McDonalds All-American team. A top 20 recruit nationally he choose to stay local and attend Cal. He played 4 seasons at Cal before being drafted by the Boston Celtics. Off the court troubles held him back from fully realizing his NBA potential.
G - Jabari Brown - Salesian, Richmond, CA - Missouri - NBA
Jabari Brown was a highly touted talent coming out of middle school and began his high school career at Salesian in Richmond, where he played for three seasons before finishing his senior year at Findlay Prep. He started his college career at the University of Oregon before transferring to Missouri, where he formed one of the nation’s most talented backcourts alongside Jordan Clarkson. Brown went on to play briefly in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers.
C - Devon Hardin - Newark Memorial, CA - CAL - NBA
The Newark Memorial big man teamed with Kyle Spain to form a formidble high school inside duo. He played his college ball at Cal, where he excelled as a defensive anchor.
F - Luke Whitehead - Saint Ignatius, San Francisco, CA - Louisville
One of the most highly rated prospects to come out of San Francisco in 25 years, Whitehead was a top 20 player nationally. He even chose to attend Oak Hill Academy his senior year of high school. He played 4 years at Louisville, earning Conference Tournament MVP honors as a senior.
C - Darnell Robinson - Emeryville, CA - Arkansas
Robinson remains the all-time leading scorer in California high school history with 3,361 points and holds the national record for career blocked shots (1,187). A McDonald’s All-American and top national recruit, he averaged over 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 blocks per game in his final three seasons at tiny Emery High. Despite immense talent and a 6'11" frame, his college career at Arkansas was uneven due to injuries, weight issues, and questions about his work ethic. Drafted by the Mavericks in 1996, he never played in the NBA but had a solid overseas career in Europe and beyond. Many still wonder what could have been had he chosen a different path, like playing alongside Jason Kidd and Lamond Murray at Cal.
F - Wendell McKines - Richmond, CA - New Mexico St.
One of the Bay Area’s most prolific scorers, McKines averaged 36 points and 15 rebounds per game as a senior at Richmond High, finishing with 3,034 career points, 6th all-time in California history. He also ranks top-10 in state history in rebounds (1,523), scoring average (30.3), and single-season points (1,080). Known for his power and explosiveness, he had 11 games of 40+ points and two over 50. McKines starred at New Mexico State, where he finished 2nd all-time in rebounds and 8th in scoring. Despite not reaching the NBA, he built a respected international career and remains well-connected with fellow Bay Area standouts.
C - Drew Gordon - Archbishop Mitty, San Jose, CA - UCLA - New Mexico
The older brother of Denver Nuggets star Aaron Gordon, Drew Gordon was a standout at Archbishop Mitty High School in San Jose. Ranked among the top three players in his class as a freshman, he also made his mark on the AAU circuit with the Oakland Soldiers. Gordon began his college career at UCLA before transferring to New Mexico.
G - Hook Mitchell - McClymonds, Oakland, CA - Contra Costa CC
A legendary playground phenom, Demetrius “Hook” Mitchell is widely regarded as the greatest streetball player to come out of Oakland. At just 5'10", he was known for his jaw-dropping athleticism—dunking over cars and dominating playground games against future NBA stars like Gary Payton and Jason Kidd. Despite unmatched talent, Mitchell never made it to college ball or the pros, derailed by personal struggles and ultimately incarcerated. As Payton said, “He could’ve been one of the best players in the NBA… He just took a different route.”
Notable Other Talent & Street Legends
Cardell Butler (Utah St), Jaha Wilson (USC), Circus King (Cal), James Akinjo (Arizona), Armando Surratt (Miami), Antonio Kellogg (UCONN), Quentin Thomas (North Carolina), Ayinde Ubaka (Cal), Kwame Vaughn (Fullerton), Tim Pierce (ASU), Diamon Simpson (St. Marys), Frank Otis (SMU), Jim Hadnot (ABA), Brandon Ashley (Arizona), Langston Morris Walker (Oregon State) , Calvin Byrd (Villanova), Guy Williams (Washington St.)