Best NCAA basketball players from every state

Best NCAA basketball players ever from every state

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT - MARCH 23: Ja Morant #12 of the Murray State Racers attempts a free throw against the Florida State Seminoles in the second half during the second round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at XL Center on March 23, 2019 in Hartford, Connecticut. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Alaska: Mario Chalmers

Mario Chalmers may not have averaged the most points or rebounds over his collegiate career as other Alaskan born players, but he was arguably the best player on the best team. While winning a National Championship was not enough for Glen Rice in Arkansas, it is plenty to put Chalmers ahead of D’Angelo Harris and Doron Perkins. The 2007-08 regular season which would culminate with Kansas Basketball cutting down the nets in Texas was not a season that Chalmers dominated throughout. It would not be until March Madness that he would be named to the All-Tournament Team and NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

A journey that began on May 19, 1986, in Anchorage Alaska continued as he attended Bartlett High School, where ‘Super Mario’ was considered a “shoot first point guard”. Thinking shot first is what would lead to Chalmers’ most memorable moment, hitting the tying three-pointer with 2.1 seconds remaining in the 2008 National Title game.

An aspect that must not be forgotten is that Chalmers’ defense is what separates him the most from other Alaskan born players. Chalmers was on every ‘All-Big 12’ team possible as well as 2006-07 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. The personal and team achievements place Mario Chalmers as the best college player from the state of Alaska.

Although none of that led his home town to do what North Pole, Alaska does for their hometown hero, NCAA Division II star Brad Oleson. Every Apr. 24 the North Pole celebrates “Brad Oleson Day” which may or may not be busier than Dec. 24 in the North Pole.