Greatest North Bay Basketball Players of All Time

The North Bay, encompassing Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Solano County, and Marin County, has long been a breeding ground for elite basketball talent. This region has produced standout athletes who’ve made their mark at the high school, collegiate, and even professional levels. With powerhouse programs like Branson (Ross), Montgomery (Santa Rosa), Vallejo High, and Marin Catholic (Kentfield), the area has cemented itself as a competitive force. Players from the North Bay have gone on to shine at top basketball programs such as Duke, Georgetown, Arizona, and Connecticut. Many have earned prestigious accolades like California Mr. Basketball, McDonald's All-American honors, and spots on All-ACC, All-American, and All-EuroCup teams, contributing to championship seasons in various leagues.

North Bay Area All-Time Basketball 1st Team

C - Wesley Wilson

Center 6'10 250
High School: Vallejo High School, Vallejo, California
College: Georgetown
Best College Season: 12.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.3 BPG
College Stats: 8.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.6 BPG

An elite recruit out of Vallejo High School, Wilson was a highly touted top 25 big man. At Vallejo High, Wilson played alongside future NBA player Brandon Armstrong and future MLB star CC Sabathia, forming one of the best lineups in Northern California history.

Michael Miller of West Coast Hoops described Wilson as a highly skilled big man: "Wesley, at 215, has very good low post moves but can also step out and hit the mid-range J with accuracy out to about 17 feet. He is a very good passer out of both post positions and has led the team in FT shooting the last 2 years. He is an intimidating shot-blocker and good rebounder."

In 1998, Wilson was considered one of the top high school centers in the nation, but poor grades forced him out of the traditional recruiting cycle. Originally set to attend the Winchendon School in Massachusetts, he was instead directed toward Maine Central Institute (MCI) due to its strong Nike affiliation, a story featured in the book Sole Influence. “Nike to me is the better shoe,” Wilson said in the book. “Not because colleges give them to you but because I just wear it—maybe because Michael Jordan wears it. So you go to the school that wears your type of shoe.”

He played at Georgetown University under legendary coach John Thompson. At 6'11" and 260 pounds, Wilson had all the physical tools to become an NBA player. However, today he’s often forgotten in the long lineage of dominant Georgetown centers over the past 50 years. His best season came as a Sophmore at Georgetown where he averaged 12 points and 6 rebounds per game.

F - Tyler Tiedman

Forward 6'6 215
High School: Montgomery High School, Santa Rosa, California
College: Boise State University
College Stats: 9.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
Best College Season: 13.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.1 APG

A strong, intelligent forward with excellent court vision and leadership, Tyler Tiedeman made a name for himself at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa before heading to the University of Arizona, not for basketball, but baseball. A gifted pitcher, he turned down a contract offer from the Atlanta Braves to play college ball. However, a blown-out elbow and subsequent Tommy John surgery cut short his pitching career.

After recovering, Tiedeman rededicated himself to basketball. He spent one season at Santa Rosa Junior College before transferring to Boise State, where he became a key contributor for the Broncos from 2005 to 2008. His best season saw him average 13.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

Following college, Tiedeman embarked on a professional career in Europe. In August 2010, he signed with West-Brabant Giants in the Netherlands, averaging 14.7 points in the 2010–11 season. After the club folded due to financial issues, he joined Finnish squad Lappeenrannan NMKY. He later signed with WBC Raiffeisen Wels in Austria for the 2012–13 season, where he finished second in league scoring with 19.5 points per game and ranked fifth in assists at 4.1 per game. Tiedeman retired from professional basketball in 2013 after a successful international career.

G - DeMarcus Nelson

Guard 6'3 210
High School: Vallejo High School, Vallejo, California
College: Duke
College Stats: 10.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.8 APG
Best College Season: 14.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.9 APG
Accolades: California Mr. Basketball (2004), McDonald's All-American (2004), ACC All-Freshman Team (2005), ACC All-Defensive team (2008), First-team All-ACC (2008), ACC Defensive Player of the Year (2008), French League All-Star (2016), Serbian Cup MVP (2013), 2× Serbian Cup winner (2013, 2014), All-ABA League Team (2014), Greek Cup winner (2015), French Federation Cup winner (2019), French League Finals MVP (2019), French League champion (2019), All-EuroCup First Team (2014).

DeMarcus Nelson graduated as California’s all-time leading scorer. A dominant force at Vallejo High, Nelson went on to play at Duke University before making it to the NBA. His tenacity on both ends of the floor earned him stints with several professional teams.

Nelson started varsity basketball as a freshman at Vallejo High, where he quickly made an impact. He was also a top-10 recruit in football, starting at quarterback during his first two years. On the basketball side, Nelson played for nearly every major AAU team in California, including the Oakland Soldiers, EBO EA Sports All-Stars, Belmont Shore, and NorCal Elite. Known as “The Iceman,” the Vallejo native became California’s all-time leading scorer, finishing with a still-standing 3,462 career points.

From 2001 to 2003, fans packed Vallejo’s Bottari Gym to watch Nelson play, and he rarely disappointed. He was an all-state selection in 2003 and named Mr. Basketball California in 2004. That same year, Nelson earned second-team All-American honors and was selected to the McDonald’s All American Game, where he led the West team with 22 points. After three seasons at Vallejo, he transferred to Sheldon High for his senior year and graduated in 2004. He then went on to play at Duke University under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. During his junior and senior seasons, Nelson averaged over 30 minutes and 14 points per game, and he served as team captain in 2008.

Although he went undrafted in the 2008 NBA Draft, Nelson was signed by the Golden State Warriors. He made history as the first undrafted rookie in NBA history to start on opening night, beating out established players like C.J. Watson and Marcus Williams. In 13 games with the Warriors, Nelson averaged 4.1 points and 1.8 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential as a tough, defense-minded combo guard. He went on to a successful Euro career, and Vallejo High retired his jersey in 2025.

G - Brandon Armstrong

Guard 6'5 190
High School: Vallejo High School, Vallejo, California
College: Pepperdine University
College Stats: 18.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.5 APG
Best College Season: 22.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.3 APG
NBA Draft: 2001 23rd Overall
Accolades: 2x First Team WCC

Brandon Armstrong starred at Vallejo High School, where he played alongside future Georgetown center Wesley Wilson and future MLB All-Star CC Sabathia. That trio helped form one of the most talent-stacked lineups in Northern California history. As a senior, Armstrong led the Apaches to a 32-2 record, with both losses coming against powerhouse St. Joseph. He scored 17 points in a hard-fought 57-50 loss to St. Joseph in the Division I Northern California championship.

Armstrong went on to play at Pepperdine University, where he quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic scorers on the West Coast. He averaged 14.4 points per game as a sophomore and 22.1 points as a senior, leading the conference in scoring and earning First Team All-WCC honors in both seasons.

In the 2001 NBA Draft, Armstrong was selected 23rd overall by the Houston Rockets and then traded to the New Jersey Nets along with Richard Jefferson and Jason Collins in exchange for Eddie Griffin. He spent three seasons with the Nets, averaging 2.2 points per game. A lingering back injury limited his availability, and he appeared in only 17 games during the 2002–03 season.

Armstrong signed with the Golden State Warriors in 2004 but was waived before the season began. He continued his career overseas, playing professionally in Italy, Spain, Poland, and Ukraine. He also spent time in the NBA D-League before retiring from pro basketball. Known for his scoring instincts and smooth perimeter game, Armstrong remains one of Vallejo’s most celebrated basketball talents.

G - Josh Akognon

Guard 5'11 185
High School: Casa Grande High School, Petaluma, California
College: Washington State - Cal State Fullerton
College Stats: 15.2 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 2.6 APG,
Best College Season: 9.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
Accolades: 2x Big West 1st Team, Big West Player of The Year 2009

Known for his elite scoring ability and deep shooting range, Josh Akognon emerged from Casa Grande High School in Petaluma, where he averaged 30 points per game as a senior. Despite not playing organized basketball until his freshman year, he quickly developed into one of the top scorers on the West Coast. He was part of the best offensive duos in North Bay history, teaming with sharpshooter Angelo Tsagarakis, who played college ball at Oregon State.

Akognon began his college career at Washington State University, where he had a slow start but gained attention during his sophomore season. An ankle injury to starter Derrick Low gave him an opportunity, and he responded with standout performances, including 27 points and a game-winning three in an upset over Brandon Roy-led Washington, followed by 25 points against UCLA. He was named Pac-10 Player of the Week and recognized in Sports Illustrated as the conference’s “Most Underrated Player.”

He later transferred to Cal State Fullerton, where he became a star. During his junior season, he led the Titans to a share of the Big West regular-season title, a Big West Tournament championship, and their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 30 years. As a senior, Akognon averaged 23.9 points per game (8th in the nation), broke the school’s single-season scoring record with 764 points, and was named the 2008–09 Big West Player of the Year. He also earned NABC All-District First Team honors and finished his college career with 1,805 points and 335 made three-pointers.

Akognon was particularly dangerous from beyond the arc and the free throw line—ranking 2nd in the nation in threes per game and 8th in free throw percentage (89.2%). He had 22 games with 20+ points, six 30-point performances, and two games where he scored 41. His 37-point explosion in the Big West Tournament set a record, and he ended his college career with a streak of 44 consecutive games with a made three-pointer.

After college, Akognon played 3 regular season games with the Dallas Mavericks and enjoyed a long international career in China, Serbia, Spain, and beyond.

North Bay Area All-Time Basketball 2nd Team

C - Dishon Jackson

Center 6'10 240
High School: St. Vincent St. Patrick, Vallejo, California
College: Washington State - Charlotte - Iowa State - Pittsburgh
College Stats: 8.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG
Best College Season: 11.4 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 1.1 BPG

Dishon Jackson was a dominant presence at St. Vincent-St. Patrick High School in Vallejo, California, where he led his team to the Division II NorCal State Championship game during his senior year. Averaging 13.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game, he was instrumental in his team’s success. In the section championship, he posted 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks in a victory over top-seeded Branson. Jackson earned Second Team All-League and Third Team All-Nor Cal honors that season.

As a senior at Iowa State, Jackson continued to develop his skills, contributing 8 points and 5 rebounds per game. Known for his physicality and rebounding, he was a four-star recruit coming out of high school. Jackson also played for West Coast Elite Nor Cal on the AAU circuit. The big man is expected to be a significant contributor to Pittsburgh in the upcoming 2025-2026 season.

F- Kyle Jeffers

Forward 6'9 240
High School: Montgomery High School, Santa Rosa, California
College: Oregon State
Best College Season: 9.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
College Stats: 5.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG

A versatile and tough forward, Kyle Jeffers was a standout at Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, where his size, rebounding ability, and defensive instincts made him one of Northern California’s top prep players. He earned North Bay League MVP and Defensive Player of the Year honors, was selected to the All-Bay Area First Team, and named Third Team All-State. He was also recognized as the California Division II Player of the Year by NorCal Preps and shared the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat Player of the Year honor with teammate Angelo Tsagarakis.

effers led Montgomery to a 54–7 record and a trip to the NorCal finals. As a senior, he averaged 19.3 points and 14.5 rebounds per game, following a junior season where he posted 13.6 points and 10 rebounds per contest. He finished his high school career with 1,027 points. Jeffers also played on the elite AAU circuit with the Oakland Soldiers, further establishing himself as one of the North Bay’s top prospects.

Jeffers went on to play in the Pac-10 at Oregon State, where he became a four-year contributor and started 96 of 120 career games. Known for his hustle and shot-blocking, he finished fourth all-time at OSU in total blocks (97), tied for fourth in games played (120), fifth in games started (96), and ninth in blocks per game (0.81). At the time of his graduation, his 97 blocks were the most among all active Pac-10 players. Jeffers' consistent presence in the paint and work ethic made him a key part of the Beavers’ rotation throughout his college career.

F - Bennett Davison

Forward 6'9 225
High School: Analy High School, Sebastopol, California
College: University of Arizona
College Stats: 9.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
Best College Season: 9.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
Accolades: NCAA Champion (1997)

Bennett Davison rose from a lightly recruited high school player at Analy High School in Sebastopol to an NCAA Champion and a respected professional forward with a decade-long international career. After high school, he began his collegiate journey at West Valley College, a junior college in Saratoga, CA. His athleticism and work ethic quickly stood out, and after two standout seasons he caught the attention of legendary Arizona coach Lute Olson.

Davison transferred to the University of Arizona, where he became a starter and key contributor on the Wildcats' historic 1996–97 NCAA championship team. Known for his high-flying finishes, versatility, and energy on both ends of the court, Davison played an important role in Arizona’s run, which included tournament wins over Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky. His best college season saw him average roughly 9.0 points per game along with solid rebounding and defensive contributions.

After college, Davison went on to play professionally for over ten years, including several seasons in Italy’s top league, Lega Basket Serie A, where he became a fan favorite for his intensity and highlight-worthy dunks. Although he was not officially selected in the 2001 NBA Draft (note: there is no official record of him being picked 23rd by the Houston Rockets), he continued to carve out a successful international career across Europe, Latin America, and beyond. Born in San Francisco and raised in Sebastopol, Davison remains one of the most celebrated basketball products to come out of Sonoma County.

G - Chance McMillian

Guard 6'3 185
High School: St. Vincent St. Patrick - Jesse Bethel High School, Vallejo, California
College: Grand Canyon - Texas Tech
College Stats: 10.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.2 APG
Best College Season: 14.2 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 43.3% 3PT (Big 12)
Accolades: All-Big 12 Second Team

A standout at Jesse Bethel High School, McMillian averaged 28.8 points per game in conference play his senior year and was named Tri-County Athletic League Stone Division MVP. He spent his first three high school years at St. Patrick-St. Vincent. He later played a prep season at Golden State College Prep before beginning his collegiate career.

At Grand Canyon, McMillian played in 89 games over three seasons, totaling 644 points, 143 assists, 52 steals, and 226 rebounds. In 2022-23, he averaged 10.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He shot 44.4% from three as a junior and 39.8% for his GCU career. He helped lead the Lopes to the 2023 NCAA Tournament and had 26 steals to lead the team that year. He scored in double figures 19 times, including a career-high 24 points against Stephen F. Austin on 9-of-11 shooting and 6-of-7 from three. He also added a 21-point game against Abilene Christian. GCU went 64-27 during his time there, including two NCAA Tournament appearances.

At Texas Tech as a senior, McMillian averaged 14.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.7 steals per game. He shot 43.3% from three (71-for-164), led the Big 12 in three-point percentage, and had 25 double-digit scoring games. He was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team. He scored 20 or more points in four games, including 23-point performances against Texas A&M and Houston. He made five threes in games against Texas A&M, Baylor, and TCU, and recorded eight rebounds in three separate games. He finished his college career with 1,467 points and 245 made threes in 155 total games.

G - Craig McMillan

Guard 6'6 190
High School: Cloverdale High School, Cloverdale, California
College: University of Arizona
College Stats: 9.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
Best College Season: 12.3 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
Accolades: McDonalds All-American, NCAA Final 4 (1988)

Craig McMillan was one of the earliest basketball stars to emerge from the North Bay, making his mark at Cloverdale High School under the guidance of his father. There, he helped lead the Eagles to back-to-back California state championships in 1983 and 1984. His stellar high school play earned him McDonald's All-American honors and national recognition.

McMillan committed to the University of Arizona, where he played for legendary coach Lute Olson. As a Wildcat, he was a key contributor throughout his four-year career and helped guide Arizona to two Pac-10 titles and a trip to the NCAA Final Four in 1988, where he started in the back court. His best collegiate season saw him average 12.3 points per game, and he remained a steady presence for the Wildcats during a critical stretch in the program’s rise to national prominence.

After his playing career, McMillan transitioned to coaching. He spent eight seasons as an assistant coach at major Division I programs including Arizona, Marquette, and the University of Tennessee before taking head coaching jobs overseas in Kuwait and Lebanon. Upon returning to the U.S., McMillan became the head coach at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he has developed a strong program and produced numerous NCAA Division II prospects. His journey reflects a full-circle legacy, from a North Bay high school star to a respected coach shaping the next generation of talent.

North Bay Area All-Time Basketball 3rd Team

C - Jalen Canty 

Center 6'8 240
High School: St. Vincent. St. Patrick
College: University of Washington - UCSB
Best College Season: 9.0 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.2 APG
College Stats: 12 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 1.8 BPG

Jalen Canty was a dominant two-sport athlete at St. Patrick–St. Vincent High School in Vallejo, excelling in both basketball and football. As a junior, he averaged 18.7 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, and followed it up with a senior campaign where he posted 25.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per contest. He is the school’s all-time leader in rebounds and blocked shots, and ranks second in total points. In one memorable game against Richmond High, Canty recorded 40 points, 20 rebounds, 10 blocks, and five steals. He played AAU ball with the elite Oakland Soldiers program, where he teamed up with future NBA player Gabe Vincent, and was coached in high school by Derek Walker. Canty’s combination of size, skill, and physicality made him one of the most imposing big men to come out of the North Bay in recent years.

He helped lead St. Patrick–St. Vincent to the CIF North Coast Section finals as a sophomore and to the CIF playoffs as a senior, earning Second Team All-State and Defensive Player of the Year honors. He also shined on the gridiron, leading his football team in tackles and earning Vallejo Times-Herald Defensive Player of the Year. He initially signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at the University of Washington as a defensive end before rededicating himself to basketball.

Canty began his college basketball journey at the University of Washington before transferring to UC Santa Barbara, where he had two strong seasons. As a junior, he averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds per game, then elevated his game as a senior with averages of 12.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks. He was known for his toughness, consistency, and interior dominance. In a standout performance against Vallejo High, Canty posted 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 7 blocks, scoring at least seven points in every quarter.

F - Robert Johnson

Forward 6'9 225
High School: Analy High School, Sebastapool, California
College: University of Oregon
College Stats: 7.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG
Best College Season: 7.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG

Johnson played basketball at Oregon under Kent during the 2002 and 2003 seasons after earning his Associate Degree from Santa Rosa Junior College in Santa Rosa, Calif. While at Oregon, Johnson helped lead the Ducks to a Pac-10 Championship (2001-02) and the Pac-10 Tournament Championship (2002-03), as he was named the team’s defensive player and rebounder of the year.

Following his time at Oregon, Johnson played professional basketball overseas from 2003 until 2012. He played in over 320 consecutive games as a professional and led his teams to the Spanish 2nd League Finals in 2007-08 (CB Guadalajara), 2009-10 (BC Tijola) and 2010-11 (BC River Andorra). In 2008-09, Johnson’s CB Cornella (Spain) squad captured the Spanish 2nd League Championship. During the 2006-07 season, Johnson was named the Eurobasket Switzerland Defensive Player of the Year while playing with the Geneva Devils, while he was named Eurobasketball Second Team All-Imports in 2011 while playing with BC River Andorr

G - Joey Calcaterra

Guard 6'3 165
High School: Marin Catholic, Marin, California
College: USD - UCONN
College Stats: 7.7 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 1.3 APG
Best College Season: 13.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.8 APG
Accolades: NCAA Champion (2024)

"Joey California" was a skilled guard from Marin Catholic High School, where he was a top scorer, averaging 30.0 points per game as a senior. He was named MVP of the Marin County Athletic League and North Bay Player of the Year. He also earned First Team All-League honors twice and was named First Team All-State California Juniors as a junior.

After high school, Calcaterra played at the University of San Diego, averaging 7.7 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game over four years. He transferred to UConn for his fifth season and helped lead the team to an NCAA Championship in 2024. Calcaterra scored 6 points in the Final Four game.

Following his college career, Calcaterra went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft but joined the NBA G League. He played for the South Bay Lakers, Santa Cruz Warriors, and Stockton Kings. Known for his shooting ability, especially from beyond the arc and the free-throw line, Calcaterra continues to develop as a versatile guard.

G - Oliver McNally

Guard 6'3 185
High School: Branson High School, Ross, California
College: Harvard University
College Stats: 7.6 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 2.8 APG
Best College Season: 10.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.1 APG
Accolades: 2008 North Bay Player of The Year

McNally started in the Harvard backcourt alongside Jeremy Lin and played a key role in all four seasons. He handed out seven assists against Vanderbilt in the NCAA Tournament and scored nine points in a win over No. 20 Florida State at the Battle 4 Atlantis.

At Branson, McNally was a standout guard with a high basketball IQ. He led the program to three league titles and three straight Division V state championships. He was a four-year letterwinner and two-year starter, also captaining the team as a senior. He earned Marin County Athletic League First Team honors three times and was twice named California Division V Player of the Year. His teams went 129–12 over four seasons. McNally also played varsity soccer all four years as a striker.

G - Semetri Carr 

Guard 6'2 180
High School: Redwood High School - Branson High School, Ross, California
College: University of California
Accolades: 2025 North Bay Player of The Year

The Cal Commit and the 2025 Marin County Athletic League Player of the Year. Named San Francisco Chronicle's 2025 North Bay Regional Player of the Year after averaging more than 20 points, 8 rebounds & 6 assists per game for Redwood. Averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds & 4 assists as a junior in Branson's run to a third-place finish in the 2024 North Coast Section Open Division playoffs. He played grassroots with the Oakland Soldiers.

North Bay Area All-Time Basketball Honorable Mention

G – Angelo Tsagarakis – Casa Grande High School (Petaluma, CA) – Oregon State
G – Michael Santos – Cardinal Newman High School (Santa Rosa, CA) – Santa Clara
G – Kevin Aronis – Analy High School (Sebastopol, CA) – New Mexico State
G – Tajai Johnson – Vallejo High School (Vallejo, CA) – UC Riverside
G – Alec Kobre – Montgomery High School (Santa Rosa, CA) – Pacific
F – Rekalin Sims – De La Salle High School (Concord, CA) – Kentucky
F – Desmond Simmons – Salesian High School (Richmond, CA) – Washington
F – Dillion Sabia – Drake High School (San Anselmo, CA) – Hartford
F – Michael Turner – Marin Catholic High School (Kentfield, CA) – Hartford
F – Anton Lyons – Vallejo High School (Vallejo, CA) – Idaho State University
F – Anthony Lackey – Vintage High School (Napa, CA) - Portland State
F – Damany Hendrix – Vallejo High School (Vallejo, CA) – Lamar University

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