Spotlight on DMV Basketball Talent
As part of a contemporary homage to the original ‘SportsCenter Across America’ initiative from 2005, which aimed to cover all 50 states in a brief span, we’re shining a spotlight on elite basketball talent from the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area—commonly referred to as the DMV. This examination looks back at the basketball stars who have emerged from this region since the turn of the millennium, analyzing their impact on the game through various metrics including accolades and overall influence.
Notable Players from the DMV
Two players who have definitively left their mark are Kevin Durant and Kristi Toliver.
Kevin Durant, a standout from Montrose Christian, was a schoolboy sensation, finishing his senior season in 2006 with impressive averages of 23.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. His prowess carried over to the D.C. Blue Devils AAU team, showcasing his exceptional skills that led to recognition as the NCAA’s Player of the Year during his freshman year at Texas. Selected second overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 2007 NBA Draft, Durant has since amassed two NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and earned the league’s MVP honor in 2014.
Another significant name is Carmelo Anthony, who played for Oak Hill Academy. He guided the Warriors to a remarkable 32-1 season and averaged 21.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, clinching a McDonald’s All-American spot in 2002. His success continued at Syracuse, where he scored 22.2 points and secured the NCAA championship in 2003, earning Most Outstanding Player honors. Drafted third by the Denver Nuggets, Anthony has been a ten-time NBA All-Star, and his legacy will soon be honored with his enshrinement in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Brandon Jennings also stands out with a record-setting performance at his high school. His average of 35.5 points along with 7.5 assists per game during his senior year led him to receive both Virginia’s Gatorade Player of the Year and Naismith Player of the Year awards in 2008. Opting to play professionally in Italy rather than attending college, he was later drafted 10th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks and had a fruitful career in the NBA.
Luka Garza, also from the DMV, dominated as a high school player averaging 24.6 points and 11.7 rebounds during his senior year. At the University of Iowa, he became a household name, winning National Player of the Year and solidifying his legacy as the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,306 points.
Markelle Fultz, who also emerged from this area, had a stellar high school career, ranking seventh in the ESPN 100 in 2016. His freshman year at Washington further solidified his reputation, leading to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Women’s Basketball Stars
On the women’s side, Kristi Toliver made waves with an impressive 2,527 career points in high school and led her college team, Maryland, to a national championship in 2006. With multiple accolades to her name, including WNBA All-Star recognition, Toliver is a key figure in women’s basketball.
Angel Reese, another force from the DMV, excelled by averaging 18 points and an outstanding 20 rebounds during her high school tenure before winning a national title with LSU.
