Sacramento’s basketball tradition stretches back to the early 1960s. The city began gaining recognition in the late 1960s and 1970s with players like Darnell Hillman, Bill Cartwright, and James Donaldson. Cartwright and Donaldson played in some of the most competitive high school games in the city’s history, including a memorable championship between Elk Grove and Luther Burbank.
The greater Sacramento area includes several suburbs that continue to produce top talent. Cities like Modesto, Folsom, and Roseville have all contributed to the region’s basketball success.
Notable NBA players from the area include Kevin Johnson, Matt Barnes, Scott Brooks, and Bill Cartwright.
The Sacramento Kings have served as the city's main professional presence and helped build interest in the sport throughout the region.
Several high school programs stand out for their consistency and talent development, including Sacramento High, Jesuit (Carmichael), Capital Christian, Modesto Christian, St. Mary’s (Stockton), and Folsom High.
From local legends to NBA stars, explore the top basketball talent born and raised in Sacramento and its surrounding suburbs.
Best All-Time 1st Team Sac Area
C - Bill Cartwright
High School: Elk Grove High School, Sacramento, California
College: University of San Francisco
College Stats: 19.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG
NBA Stats: 13.2 PPG, 6.3 RPG
Accolades: NBA All-Rookie Team, 3x NBA Champion (with the Chicago Bulls)
Cartwright was the National High School Player of the Year at Elk Grove High School, earning All-American honors from every major publication. He didn't slow down in college at the University of San Francisco, where he continued to score and rebound at extremely high clips. He again won All-American accolades before being drafted third overall in the 1979 NBA Draft. Cartwright was a vital piece of the Chicago Bulls' three-peat championship runs in the 1990s, playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. As a center, Cartwright was known for his strong post moves and mid-range shooting. His ability to defend in the paint and rebound allowed the Bulls to maintain dominance during their championship seasons. Cartwright was also a solid locker room leader who played a key role in mentoring the younger players on the team. While not the flashiest player, his gritty, dependable style of play helped anchor the Bulls’ frontcourt and contributed significantly to their success during the 1990s.
F - Ryan Anderson
High School: Oak Ridge High School, Sacramento, California
College: University of California
College Stats: 18.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG
NBA Stats: 12.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG
Accolades: NBA Most Improved Player (2012) Second-team All-American (2008) First-team All-Pac-10 (2008)
He was a standout at Sacramento's Oak Ridge High School. He won the Division II State Championship as a junior. A top-75 recruit nationally, he accepted a scholarship to the University of California. In his two years at California, Anderson was one of the best players in the country. He was named Pac-10 Player of the Year before declaring for the NBA Draft. Best known for his three-point shooting and ability to stretch the floor, Anderson stood at 6’9” and was a versatile power forward who could shoot from beyond the arc, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His sharpshooting from deep earned him a key role on teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Houston Rockets, where he became a valuable weapon in their high-powered offenses. Anderson’s ability to space the floor with his shooting allowed his teams to operate more efficiently, particularly during the small-ball era in the NBA. His shooting range was a major asset that helped change how teams built around modern power forwards
F - Darnell Hillman
High School: Hiram Johnson High School, Sacramento, California
College: San Jose State University
College Stats: 15.3 PPG, 14.2 RPG
NBA/ABA Stats: 9.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG
Accolades: 2x NBA Champion (with the Indiana Pacers ABA)
Known as "Dr. Dunk," Hillman played at Hiram Johnson High School in Sacramento, where he earned all-state honors as a senior, averaging 21.1 points per game. Despite being a little-known recruit, San Jose State offered him one of the few scholarships available after high school. Hillman began his career in the ABA, quickly earning a reputation for his explosive, above-the-rim play. He was a key part of the Indiana Pacers' success from 1971 to 1977, where his athleticism and hustle made a lasting impression.
Though his NBA career was relatively brief, Hillman’s time in the league showcased his unique skills as an athletic forward. Known for his defensive tenacity and relentless energy, he was a standout defender for both the Indiana Pacers and the San Diego Clippers. His ability to contribute in a supporting role, particularly on defense, made him an invaluable asset to his teams. He eventually concluded his career with the hometown Golden State Warriors. While Hillman is remembered for his solid defense, what truly set him apart in the ABA and on the playground was his iconic Afro and his status as one of the greatest leapers in basketball history. Tales of him reaching the top of the backboard are legendary, and his dunking prowess remains etched in basketball lore. Twenty years ago, Hillman was ranked No. 22 on Slam Magazine’s list of the greatest dunkers, and had the list been re-done today, he would still likely rank among the top.
G - Ricky Berry
Guard 6'7 200
High School: Live Oak High School, Morgan Park, California
College: Oregon State - San Jose State
College Stats: 17.4 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.7 APG
NBA Stats: 11.0 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.3 APG
Accolades: NBA Rookie Team
After high school, Ricky Berry played his freshman season at Oregon State in 1983–84. He later transferred to San Jose State to play under his father, where he blossomed into a star. In his senior year, he averaged over 24 points and 7 rebounds per game and became one of only three players in school history to have his jersey retired. At 6'8", Berry played small forward and was known for his elite long-range shooting and smooth scoring ability.
In 1988, he was selected 18th overall in the NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. As a rookie, he averaged 11.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting an impressive 40.6 percent from three-point range. He quickly earned a reputation as a skilled shooter and versatile wing. In just his 38th professional game, Berry scored 34 points against the Golden State Warriors. Teammates and coaches believed he was on the path to becoming a star.
Tragically, Berry died by suicide on August 14, 1989, at his home in Carmichael, California. He was just 24 years old. He was married and had a son. Friends and family said he showed no signs of depression, but he left a suicide note in which he expressed emotional distress and feelings of betrayal. Those close to him later shared that he had been under personal stress related to his marriage and had a strained relationship with his parents. His death shocked the Sacramento community and the basketball world. For many, Ricky Berry remains one of the greatest “what could have been” stories in NBA history.
G - Kevin Johnson
Guard 6'2 190
High School: Sacramento High School
College: University of California
College Stats: 14.0 PPG, 4.4 APG, 3.6 RPG
NBA Stats: 17.9 PPG, 9.1 APG
Accolades: 3x NBA All-Star, 4x All NBA 2nd Team, 1x All NBA 3rd Team, Most Improved Player (1989)
Kevin Johnson was one of the best point guards in the NBA during his peak years, particularly known for his incredible speed, ball-handling, and leadership on the court. Johnson’s agility allowed him to excel as both a scorer and playmaker, with a knack for getting to the basket and distributing the ball effectively. He attended Sacramento High School, where he starred in both baseball and basketball. In his senior year, Johnson led the state of California in scoring (32.5 ppg) and was named the Northern California Player of the Year. Johnson was named to the Pac-10's All-Conference First Team in his junior and senior seasons, averaging 17.2 points and 5 assists in his final year. He led Cal to the program's first postseason appearances in 26 seasons with NIT bids in 1986 and 1987 and was the first player in the Pac-10 Conference to post a triple-double. In 1992, Johnson became the first Golden Bear to have his jersey (No. 11) retired. Johnson briefly played for Cal's baseball team, and the Oakland Athletics drafted him as a shortstop in the 23rd round of the 1986 MLB Draft. After playing a couple of games with Oakland's minor-league team in Modesto, California during the summer of 1986, Johnson ended his baseball career, finding the road to professional baseball more arduous and risky compared to basketball. His standout years came with the Phoenix Suns, where he was a critical part of their up-tempo offense. Johnson had an excellent ability to drive past defenders, and his vision made him an elite facilitator, earning him two All-Star selections. In addition to his scoring and passing, Johnson was known for his clutch performances in high-stakes games. His leadership helped elevate the Suns to multiple playoff appearances, and he remains a key figure in their franchise history.
He is one of only three players, along with Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas, to average 20 points and 10 assists per game for three straight seasons. He remains the only player ever to average 20 points, 10 assists, 2 steals, and shoot over 50 percent from the field in a single season. A franchise icon for the Phoenix Suns, he is the team's all-time leader in assists with 6,518, free throws made with 3,851, and free throws attempted with 4,579. He also ranks third in total points with 12,747 and fourth in games played with 683. Johnson led the Suns to six consecutive 50-win seasons from 1989 to 1995, including a trip to the 1993 NBA Finals, where he set a record by playing 62 minutes in a triple-overtime game against the Bulls. He earned a gold medal with Team USA at the 1994 FIBA World Championship and was inducted into the Suns' Ring of Honor in 2001. With career averages of 17.9 points, 9.1 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on 49.3 percent shooting, he ranks sixth all-time in assists per game and remains one of the most consistent and productive guards to ever play in the NBA.
Best All-Time 2nd Team Sac Area
C - James Donaldson
Center 7'2 260
High School: Luther Burbank High School, Sacramento, California
College: Washington State University
College Stats: 8.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG
NBA Stats: 8.6 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.3 BPG
Accolades: 2x NBA All-Star
James Donaldson, a towering 7'2" center, starred at Luther Burbank High School in Sacramento before making a name for himself at Washington State University in the late 1970s. Over four seasons at WSU, he averaged 8.5 points and 8.1 rebounds per game across 84 games. As of 2015, he held school records for career blocked shots (176), blocks per game (2.1), single-season blocks (82 in 1977–78), single-season block average (3.0), and single-game blocks (eight against Stanford on January 25, 1978). In 2006, he was inducted into both the Pac-12 Hall of Honor and WSU's athletic hall of fame.
After several seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics and San Diego Clippers, Donaldson joined the Dallas Mavericks in 1985. He famously joked that leaving the dysfunctional Clippers for Dallas was like dying and going to heaven. His best years came with the Mavericks, where he anchored the paint alongside a talented roster that included Mark Aguirre, Rolando Blackman, Roy Tarpley, Derek Harper, Sam Perkins, and Brad Davis. In 1988, Donaldson earned an NBA All-Star selection and helped lead the Mavericks to the Western Conference Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite being later labeled by the media as one of the most surprising All-Star selections, Donaldson's value as a rim protector and rebounder was unquestionable during Dallas’ most competitive years. As the Mavericks’ core began to dissolve in the early 1990s, Donaldson unfairly became a scapegoat for the team’s decline, but his contributions remain an essential chapter in both Dallas and Sacramento basketball history.
F - Chuck Hayes
Forward 6'6 240
High School: Modesto Christian High School, Modesto, California
College: University of Kentucky
College Stats: 9.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 2.2 APG
NBA Stats: 3.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.2 APG
Chuck Hayes was a unique player who used his leverage and strength to compete in the NBA for more than ten seasons. Gritty and physical, he was known as an excellent post defender and rebounder throughout his career. As a junior at Modesto Christian High School in Modesto, California, Hayes earned all-league and all-state honors. He set a California high school record across all divisions by grabbing 31 rebounds in the 2000 Northern California championship game. As a senior, he was named California’s Mr. Basketball and selected as a Parade All-American while leading his team to the state championship game. He was also an all-state football player as a sophomore. The Modesto native played a key role in establishing the dominance of the Oakland Soldiers AAU program and helped turn Modesto Christian into a Northern California basketball powerhouse. Since his time with the Crusaders, the school has produced numerous Division I prospects, including Reeves Nelson (UCLA), DJ Seeley (Cal), David Paris (Cal), Richard Midgley (Cal), Adrian Oliver (San Jose State), Michael Porter (Kentucky), TJ Wallace (Pacific), BJ Davis (San Diego State), and Jamari Phillips (Oregon).
Hayes’ final season with the Soldiers came during LeBron James’ first summer with the team in 2000. He went on to play four years at the University of Kentucky, finishing his college career with averages of 9 points and 6 rebounds per game. Chuck Hayes had a memorable NBA career defined by toughness, intelligence, and defense. Though undersized for a power forward or center at 6-foot-6, he earned respect as a dependable role player through effort and basketball IQ. Undrafted in 2005, Hayes secured a spot with the Houston Rockets, where he spent most of his career. He also played for the Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors. Over 11 NBA seasons, he appeared in 644 games and averaged 3.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.
What made Hayes stand out was his ability to defend much larger players, box out for rebounds, and serve as a defensive anchor without requiring touches on offense. He was especially known for drawing charges, making smart defensive rotations, and being a leader in the locker room. His work ethic and basketball instincts helped him build a long, respected NBA career despite lacking ideal size or scoring ability.
F - Matt Barnes
Forward 6'6 200
High School: Del Oro High School, Fair Oaks, California
College: UCLA
College Stats: 9.0 PPG, 6.9 RPG, and 2.2 APG
NBA Stats: 8.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.8 APG
Accolades: NBA Champion (2017 with Golden State Warriors)
Matt Barnes, born in Santa Clara, California, moved to the Sacramento area at the age of eight. He attended Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, where he excelled in both basketball and football. In basketball, Barnes was a standout player, earning All-American honors and setting a state record with 21 blocked shots in a single game. During his senior year, he averaged 30 points, 10 rebounds, six blocked shots, five steals, and three assists per game. In football, he was a prolific wide receiver, leading the nation with 28 touchdown receptions in his senior season. His athletic prowess in both sports garnered him All-American, All-State, All-CIF, All-City, and All-League honors. Despite his football success, Barnes chose to pursue basketball at UCLA, where he played all four years and earned All-Pac-10 Honorable Mention honors in his junior season. He was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the 2002 NBA Draft. Over his 14-season NBA career, Barnes played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings, winning an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2017. After retiring from professional basketball, he transitioned into media, providing analysis for ESPN and serving as a commentator for Sacramento Kings games.
G - Gabe Vincent
Guard 6'2 190
High School: St. Mary's High School, Stockton, California
College: UC Santa Barbara
College Stats: 12.8 PPG, 2.7 RPG
NBA Stats: 7.2 PPG, 2.0 APG, 1.6 RPG
Gabe Vincent, a talented guard from Stockton, California, made his mark in the NBA with the Miami Heat. Vincent's journey to the league wasn’t conventional. He went undrafted but quickly earned his place with the Heat, showing a remarkable work ethic and perseverance. Known for his ability to shoot from beyond the arc and his tenacious defense, Vincent developed into a key rotational player for Miami, especially during the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
His standout performance came during Miami's 2023 playoff run, where his poise under pressure and ability to step up in critical moments helped propel the team forward. A versatile guard, Vincent’s steady play on both ends of the floor has made him a reliable contributor for the Heat, particularly in high-stakes situations. While Sacramento has not historically produced many NBA-caliber guards, aside from Kevin Johnson, Vincent’s rise from undrafted to NBA champion exemplifies his determination and ability to thrive in a competitive environment.
G- Scottie Brooks
Point Guard 5'11 165
High School: East Union High School, Manteca, California
College: University of California Irvine
College Stats: 12.6 PPG, 2.8 APG
NBA Stats: 4.9 PPG, 2.4 APG, 45.0% FG, 37.2% 3P, 84.9% FT
Accolades: NBA Champion (1994)
Scott Brooks, a 5'11" point guard from Manteca, California, was known for his tenacious defense, high basketball IQ, and leadership on the court. After a standout high school career at East Union High School, he played college basketball at the University of California, Irvine, where he averaged 23.8 points per game in his senior year. Brooks went undrafted in the 1987 NBA Draft but secured a spot in the league, playing ten seasons with six teams, including the Houston Rockets, with whom he won an NBA Championship in 1994.
Following his playing career, Brooks transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for various NBA teams before becoming the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008. Under his leadership, the Thunder reached the NBA Finals in 2012 and made the playoffs in five consecutive seasons. Brooks was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2010. After coaching the Washington Wizards from 2016 to 2021, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach in 2024, bringing his extensive experience to the team's coaching staff .
Best All-Time 3rd Team Sacramento Area
C - Ike Austin
Center: 7'0 260
High School: Gridley High School, Gridley, California
College: Arizona State
College Stats: 15.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG
NBA Stats: 7.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.2 APG
Accolades: Most Improved Player (1997)
He played his High School ball at Gridley before going on to play basketball at Arizona State before being drafted by the Utah Jazz in the second round of the 1991 NBA Draft. Over his 11-season NBA career, Austin played for multiple teams, including the Utah Jazz, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic, and Washington Wizards. He earned the NBA Most Improved Player award in 1997 after a standout season with the Miami Heat. Austin had his best year in the 1997-98 season, averaging 13.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Known for his rebounding and scoring ability, Austin played in 432 NBA games, contributing solid numbers across the board. After his NBA career, he played internationally in Turkey and China before retiring from professional basketball.
F - Festus Ezeli
Center 6'11 260
High School: Jesuit High School, Sacramento, California
College: Vanderbilt University
College Stats: 7.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG
NBA Stats: 4.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.2 APG
Accolades: NBA Champion (2015), Second-team All-SEC (2011)
Before becoming an NBA Champion with the Golden State Warriors and even before starring for the Jesuit basketball team, Ezeli's journey into basketball was unconventional. Shortly after Ezeli arrived in Yuba City, his uncle encouraged him to take up basketball, which seemed the most appropriate sport for a 6-foot-8-inch teenager. However, this proved much more difficult for Ezeli than academics, as he had never played any organized sport. He took a year of classes at Jesuit High School in Sacramento but did not play basketball. Different sources report that Ezeli was either ineligible to play because he had graduated from high school in Nigeria or due to other academic reasons.
Ezeli's entry into organized basketball came with a low-level AAU team, and his first experience was especially inauspicious. He actually scored his first points in the wrong basket. Recalling that incident, Ezeli said, “Everybody was running up the court, and I was just running with them. It's kind of surreal. Sometimes I think about it now and I'm like, Damn. How did I get here?” Ezeli joined a second AAU team and also enrolled part-time at Yuba Community College. By not attending full-time, he retained a full four years of college eligibility and was still able to practice with the team. His high-level competitive debut came on the AAU circuit in the summer of 2007. By then, Ezeli had reached 6 feet 11 inches and averaged 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game. His performance earned him an invitation to the Reebok All-American Camp in July 2007. He narrowed his list of college choices to Boston College, Connecticut, Harvard, and Vanderbilt. The Vanderbilt coaching staff sold Ezeli on the school by emphasizing its academic reputation and the program’s success with international players. Ezeli had a breakout season in 2010–11, averaging 13.0 points and 6.3 rebounds while being named a second-team All-SEC performer. He also broke Will Perdue's Vanderbilt single-season record for blocked shots. Ezeli was selected by the Golden State Warriors with the 30th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. He played 4 terrific years with Golden State, injuries eventually cut his career short.
F- Dj Wilson
Forward 6'8 220
High School: Capital Christian High School, Sacramento, California
College: University of Michigan
College Stats: 8.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG
NBA Stats: 4.4 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 0.7 APG
Accolades: Division IV MVP
A 6'10" forward from Capital Christian High School in Sacramento, D.J. Wilson overcame a lumbar fracture early in his junior year to help lead his school to a CIF Sac-Joaquin Section title as a senior. He earned MaxPreps All-NorCal first team, Division IV MVP, and Golden Empire League MVP honors, becoming the first Sacramento-area player recruited by a Big Ten school. At the University of Michigan, Wilson emerged as one of the nation’s most improved players in 2016–17. As a junior, he averaged 11.0 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 1.5 BPG, helping Michigan win the Big Ten Tournament and reach the NCAA Sweet Sixteen.
Drafted 17th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2017, Wilson played six seasons in the NBA with Milwaukee, Houston, Toronto, and Philadelphia. Over 148 games, he averaged 4.4 PPG and 3.1 RPG, showcasing athleticism, floor spacing, and defensive versatility.
G - Andrej Stojaković
Guard 6'7 190
High School: Jesuit High School, Sacramento, California
College: Stanford - California
College Stats: 12.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG
Accolades: McDonalds All-American, All-ACC Honorable Mention
Andrej Stojaković, the son of former NBA All-Star Peja Stojaković, attended Jesuit High School in Carmichael, California, near Sacramento. As a junior, Stojaković averaged 25.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game in 26 games. He was a McDonald's All-American and a top-25 recruit in the class of 2023. Stojaković began his collegiate career at Stanford in the 2023–24 season, appearing in 32 games with 10 starts and averaging 7.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He hit 34 three-pointers, ranking 10th all-time among Stanford freshmen, and scored in double figures nine times, including a season-high 20 points against USC. After transferring to California for the 2024–25 season, he made a major leap, averaging 17.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 42.7 percent from the field and 81.8 percent from the free-throw line. He earned All-ACC Honorable Mention, was named to the ACC All-Tournament First Team, and delivered standout performances including 37 points against Stanford and 29 points against Virginia Tech in the conference tournament. Over two seasons and 61 games, Stojaković averaged 12.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, shooting 42.0 percent from the field, 32.2 percent from three-point range, and 76.6 percent from the free-throw line. He later transferred to Illinois to continue his college career.
G - Jaylen Wells
Guard/Forward 6'7 205
High School: Folsom High School, Folsom, California
College: Sonoma State - Washington State
College Stats: 12.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG
NBA Stats: 10.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.7 APG
Jaylen Wells, a 6'7" guard/forward, began his basketball journey at Folsom High School in California. During his senior year, he had an impressive season, averaging 26.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, earning the title of Area Player of the Year from The Sacramento Bee. Despite his success at the high school level, Wells was underrecruited and ended up signing with Division II Sonoma State University. At Sonoma State, Wells made an immediate impact. In his sophomore season, he led the California Collegiate Athletic Association with 22.4 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game, and a 44% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. His performance earned him CCAA Player of the Year honors and third-team All-American recognition. Wells transferred to Washington State University for his junior season, where he continued to excel. He averaged 12.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, shooting 43.6% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range. After his successful college career, Wells was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 NBA Draft as the 39th overall pick. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact, starting 79 games and averaging 10.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
All-Time Sacramento Basketball Area Honorable Mention
Rich Manning - Center High School (Sacramento, CA) - Syracuse - NBA
Selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the 40th overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft, Manning, a 6'11" power forward-center, played two seasons in the NBA. He spent time with the Vancouver Grizzlies (1995–96) and the Los Angeles Clippers (1996–97). Manning played college basketball at Syracuse University and the University of Washington after attending Center High School in Antelope, California.
Jim Eakins - Encina High School (Sacramento, CA) - BYU - NBA
A 6'11" center from BYU, Jim "Jimbo" Eakins was selected in the 1968 NBA and ABA drafts. He played eight seasons in the ABA, winning championships with the Oakland Oaks (1969) and New York Nets (1976), and was an ABA All-Star in 1974. After the ABA–NBA merger, he played two more seasons in the NBA. Over his pro career, Eakins totaled 8,255 points and 5,578 rebounds. Eakins also represented Virginia in the 1974 ABA All-Star Game.
Marquese Chriss - Pleasant Grove High School (Sacramento, CA) - Washington - NBA
A late-blooming athlete, Marquese Chriss didn’t begin playing organized basketball until high school, eventually leading Pleasant Grove to a state championship and earning a top-60 national recruit ranking. He played one standout season at the University of Washington, averaging 13.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks. Chriss went on to become a lottery pick and carved out a solid NBA career as an athletic, high-energy forward.
Michael Stewart - John F. Kennedy (Sacramento, CA) - Cal - NBA
Michael “Yogi” Stewart was a dominant force at Kennedy High School in Sacramento, where he led the Cougars to back-to-back city section titles in 1990 and 1991. A lengthy and athletic forward with elite timing, Stewart anchored the team’s defense and quickly became one of the most intimidating shot-blockers in the region. His high school success earned him a scholarship to Cal, where he set the school’s all-time record for blocked shots and never missed a game in four seasons. Undrafted in 1997, Stewart’s persistence paid off when he signed with the Kings—his childhood dream team—and went on to play six years in the NBA.
Isaac Fontaine – Jesuit High School (Sacramento, CA) - Washington State - NBA
Born in Sacramento, Isaac Fontaine starred at Jesuit High School before playing collegiately at Washington State University. After a strong college career, he briefly reached the NBA, appearing in six games for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2001–02 season. The following year, he joined the Mobile Revelers in the NBA Development League. Earlier in his professional journey, Fontaine won a Continental Basketball Association (CBA) championship with the Connecticut Pride in 1999.
Cameron Oliver - Grant High School (Sacramento, CA) - Nevada - NBA
A standout at Grant High School in Sacramento, Cameron Oliver battled back from an ACL injury that sidelined his junior season to dominate as a senior—averaging 21.5 points and 10 rebounds per game. Known for his explosive athleticism and shot-blocking ability, Oliver became one of the top prep forwards in Northern California. Originally committing to Oregon State, he later chose the University of Nevada, where he made an immediate impact. At Nevada, Oliver earned Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors and helped lead the Wolf Pack to a CBI Championship as a freshman, then to an MW Tournament title as a sophomore. After going undrafted, Oliver earned NBA minutes with the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks, showcasing his scoring punch and rim protection in short stints.
Ernest Lee - John F. Kennedy (Sacramento, CA) - Clark (D2)
Lee was obsessed with playing in the NBA and when that didn’t work out his life ended in tragedy. He’s the greatest streetballer from the Sacramento Metro by a fairly wide margin and the tales from his days at Kennedy are legendary. When his grades kept him from playing at Washington, he went on to become a D2 all-American at Clark (Atlanta), where he led the nation in scoring three times. When he didn’t get taken in the 1987 NBA Draft, he spiraled downward and took his own life at age 30 by jumping from a bridge.
Walt Torrence – Grant Union High School (Sacramento, CA) - UCLA
A standout multi-sport athlete from Sacramento, Walt Torrence led Grant Union High to an undefeated basketball season in 1954–55 and placed second in the state high jump. He went on to star at UCLA, finishing his career with averages of 15.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. As a senior, he averaged 21.5 points and 11.6 rebounds—still among the top single-season marks in UCLA history. Inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009, Torrence was praised by Coach John Wooden as a cornerstone of his all-time zone press unit. Tragically, Torrence passed away in a car accident in 1969 at the age of 32.
Malik Pope – Laguna Creek High School (Elk Grove, CA) - SDSU
A Sacramento native, Malik Pope was a highly touted 5-star recruit despite battling major injuries in high school. After a growth spurt shot him from 6'3" to 6'8" between his sophomore and junior years, Pope suffered two leg fractures and a torn meniscus, forcing him to miss his senior season. Still, his talent stood out, and he went on to play at San Diego State as part of the highly regarded class of 2014.
Roburt Sallie – Valley High School (Sacramento, CA) - Memphis
Sallie starred at Valley High School in Sacramento, where he averaged 21.6 points as a senior and earned All-Metro honors and Delta League MVP in 2003. He helped lead the Vikings to back-to-back sectional titles and two NorCal final appearances. Sallie went on to play for elite prep programs, including Laurinburg Prep, where he helped secure a perfect 40-0 season and a national championship and The Patterson School, where he averaged 13.4 points and 7.1 assists for a nationally ranked squad. At the University of Memphis, Sallie played two seasons (2008–2010) and became known for his clutch shooting and perimeter defense. As a sophomore, he averaged 10.5 points per game, including a breakout performance in the 2009 NCAA Tournament where he scored 35 points and hit 10 three-pointers in a win over Cal State Northridge. In his junior season, he averaged 8.0 points per game, finishing his Memphis career as one of the school’s most reliable three-point threats with a career shooting percentage of over 40% from deep.
Xavier Thames – Pleasant Grove High School (Elk Grove, CA) - SDSU
Xavier Thames starred at Pleasant Grove High School, where he averaged 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals as a sophomore, earning first team All-Delta River League honors. He went on to play at San Diego State University, where he had a standout senior season in 2014. Thames was named Mountain West Player of the Year, First Team All-MWC, and earned a spot on the MWC All-Defensive Team. That year, he averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.6 steals over 36 games.
Adrian Oliver – Modesto Christian (Modesto, CA) - Washington - SJSU
A two-time all-state selection at Modesto Christian, Adrian Oliver averaged over 25 points per game as a junior and senior. He began his college career at the University of Washington before transferring to San Jose State, where he became one of the top scorers in the nation, averaging 22.5 points per game in 2009–10. Known for his scoring ability and work ethic, he trained with NBA players during the off-season and put up multiple 30+ point performances for the Spartans. In 2011, he briefly signed with the Sacramento Kings and later played for the Reno Bighorns in the NBA D-League before injuries cut his pro career short.
Reeves Nelson - Modesto Christian (Modesto, CA) - UCLA
A standout at Modesto Christian, Reeves Nelson was a top-100 national recruit. He played two seasons at UCLA, earning first-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2011. However, his career ended abruptly after multiple suspensions and his eventual dismissal from the team in 2012
Jordan Brown - Roseville High School (Roseville, CA) - Nevada - Arizona
Jordan Brown was a McDonald's All-American who played for Nevada, Arizona, Louisiana, and Memphis. He earned All-Sun Belt honors and the Lou Henson Award in 2023. Brown now plays professionally for Basket Brno in the Czech Republic.
Solomon Young – Sacramento High School - Iowa State
A top 150-ranked recruit nationally, Solomon Young played at Sacramento High School before heading to Iowa State University. Over his career with the Cyclones, he started 84 out of 114 games, averaging 10 points and 5 rebounds per game as a senior.
Chase Tapley - Sacramento High School - SDSU
Chase Tapley was a prolific scorer at Sacramento High, averaging 23.2 points per game. He played four seasons at San Diego State, earning second-team All-Mountain West honors in 2012. Tapley later played professionally in the NBA Development League and overseas.
Kevin Galloway - Sacramento High School - University of Kentucky - USC
Kevin Galloway attended Sacramento High School before playing college basketball at USC, Kentucky, and Texas Southern. He later played professionally in the NBA Development League and overseas, including stints in Japan, Greece, and Lebanon
Josiah Turner – Sacramento High School - Arizona
A highly touted prep All-American, Josiah Turner was one of the most talented point guards of his class. He starred at Sacramento High School and competed on the grassroots circuit with the powerhouse Oakland Soldiers. A top-15 national recruit, Turner committed to the University of Arizona, where his elite handle and court vision made him a standout prospect. Off court issues prevented him from reaching his pro potential.
Terrence Jennings – Capital Christian High School (Sacramento, CA) - Louisville
Terrence Jennings was a top-60 national recruit from Capital Christian. He played three seasons at Louisville, averaging 6.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Jennings later played in the NBA Development League and overseas.
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