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) /

32 of 50

PHILADELPHIA, PA – CIRCA 1964: Red Kerr #10 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots over Bill Bridges #32 of the St. Louis Hawks during an NBA basketball game circa 1964 at Convention Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

New Mexico: Bill Bridges

There are more World Shovel Racers to come out of New Mexico than NBA basketball players. Even if you have zero idea that Jeff Hamblin had a time of 14.4 in 2018, the fact that there have been just seven New Mexico born players to suit up in the NBA, you would be safe to assume.

Bill Bridges, Andre Roberson, and Damion James are the three basketball players that must be considered as the top New Mexico college player. Bill Bridges went to high school in Hobbs New Mexico prior to his freshman year at Kansas in the late 1950s. His career scoring average of 13 points was good for second on his team and his 14 rebounds a game was always tops. The 6-foot-6 forward was even better in his two tournament games averaging over 19 points on 62 percent shooting and 11.5 rebounds, enough to earn him All-Region in the tournament.

Andre Roberson went to high school in San Antonio before attending Colorado University for three years. His double-double averages in his last two seasons notwithstanding, it was his defense that was his specialty. With over a steal and block average over105 games, he was selected to the All PAC 12 defensive team twice and was their Defensive Player of the Year. He maintained the double-double average over the three tournament games in two years.

The second contender who will come up short is Damion James. The 6-foot-7 forward would win All-Big 10 honors three times off the strength of his 13 plus points and over nine-rebound average. James managed to hit 48 percent of his field goals which is considerably less than Bridges.

Unlike Bridges, James’ averages dipped when it mattered most come tournament time by two points and almost six rebounds, giving Bridges the honor of best college career.