Some of the best players in NBA history have originated from Virginia. When you think of basketball talent you rarely think of the state and may be surprised to find that they even have Hall of Fame talent coming from the state. Virginia is located on the east coast and has had a knack for breeding some of the best talent for colleges. The trend should continue as the state of Virginia also boasts two ACC basketball programs (Virginia Tech & University of Virginia).
1. Allen Iverson- Iverson has had a Hall of Fame career in the NBA and has remained consistent. Iverson began his NBA career in 1997 with the Philadelphia 76ers and dominated immediately. Iverson has since remained consistent and explosive on two other teams. Iverson was born in Hampton, Virginia. Iverson has career averages of 27.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
2. Moses Malone- Malone is currently a member of the NBA Hall of Fame. Malone played 21 seasons in the NBA from 1975-1995. Malone was born in Alexandria and averaged a double-double for his career. Malone was honored for the Hall of Fame in 2001.
3. Alonzo Mourning- Mourning played 16 seasons in the NBA. Mourning was born in Chesapeake and was dominant in his prime. Mourning finished his career by nearly averaging a double-double. Mourning had totals of 17.2 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
4. Jimmy Walker- Walker played 9 seasons in the NBA from 1968-1976. Walker was the paternal father of former NBA star Jalen Rose. Walker finished his NBA career with averages of 16.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Walker was also the first overall pick in the NBA draft. Walker was from Amherst, Virginia before losing his fight with cancer.
5. Ralph Sampson- Sampson played 9 seasons in the NBA from 1984-1992. Sampson was from Harrisonburg and finished his career with solid averages. Sampson finished his career with averages of 15.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
6. Bob Dandridge- Bob played 13 seasons professionally from 1970-1982. Bob was from Richmond, Virginia. Bob finished his career with averages of 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
7. Ron Perry- Perry didn’t have much career longevity in the NBA but was a consistent scorer off the bench. Perry is a native of Garrisonville, Virginia. Perry played 3 NBA seasons from 1968-1970. Perry finished his NBA career with averages of 11.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.2 points per game.
8. Bruce Spraggins- Spraggins played in the NBA during the 1967-1968 NBA season. Spraggins finished the season with respectable averages of 12.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
9. Joe Smith- Smith began his NBA career in 1996. Smith was born in Norfolk, Virginia. Smith has posted impressive career numbers in limited minutes by averaging 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
10. Dell Curry- Curry was a shooting phenomenon during his 16 seasons in the NBA. Curry has two sons that are fantastic college hoops players and was a standout himself. Curry was from Harrisonburg and finished his career with totals of 11.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Curry played in the NBA from 1987-2002.
