Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton celebrates after making a three-point basket during the first half of Game 3 against the New York Knicks in an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Friday, May 10, 2024, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— The NBA experts at Fadeaway World have released a new study ranking each state to find out which one is the number one seed in the 50 states of the U.S.
Fadeaway World analyzed several factors to get their findings including birth places of players in both the NBA and WNBA as well as birth places of hall of fame inductees. They also went into the number of teams consisting of the two main professional leagues as well as G League teams and NCAA Division 1 teams.
First up in the findings we have California. California was able to secure the top spot with 443 NBA and 95 WNBA players from the state which is the largest one. They also boast the most NBA and WNBA teams overall which comes along with the most championships by said teams.
Secondly we have to talk about Texas who has produced 211 NBA and 66 WNBA players with six of those being inducted into the Hall of Fame. This along with the three NBA teams, three G league teams, and 25 NCAA Division 1 teams gives them the 2 seed on the list.
Third is The Big Apple which has produced the second highest number of professional players for the NBA and WNBA. They do however come out in the lead with the most Hall of Fame inductees.
Next up we have our neighbors to the west, Illinois. Between the Chicago Bulls and The Chicago Sky they have 333 players in the NBA and WNBA. Nine of those players have also managed to get into the Hall of Fame as well. The state also boasts 8 championships as well.
Finally we come to our state of Indiana, The Basketball State. We are responsible for producing 199 players for the NBA and WNBA, three of which have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. We boast a decent number of teams as well numbering 14 of the ones analyzed by the criteria. Indiana also holds nine championship wins rounding us out at number five.
“Comparing each state’s contribution to American basketball is fascinating, with each state’s NBA, WNBA and collegiate teams demonstrating the successful and rich history of the sport” said CEO of Fadeaway World Nemanja Vukasinovic on its findings. “It is unsurprising that the top three are comprised of California, Texas and New York, since these are some of the most populated states in the US, so have contributed immensely to basketball through their high numbers of teams and players. However, all the states in the list illustrate the importance of all levels of professional basketball, from NBA and WNBA teams to G League and NCAA Division 1 teams, as they ultimately produce some of the most influential players in the world.”