Mississippi isn’t known as a basketball hotbed like California or New York, but its hardwood legacy runs deep. As the 2025–26 NBA season tips off, several players with Mississippi ties — through high school or college — are representing the state on the game’s biggest stage. Whether it’s an All-Star from the Gulf Coast or a rookie fighting for minutes, each one carries a piece of Magnolia State pride
Devin Booker (Moss Point, MS) — PG — Phoenix Suns
Moss Point High School (2011-14)
Kentucky (2014-15)
NBA Draft: 2015 Round 1: Pick 13 Phoenix Suns
2015-present: Phoenix Suns
Before he became a household name and three-time All-Star with the Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker spent his high school years lighting up gyms along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. After moving from Michigan to live with his father, former NBA player Melvin Booker, Devin starred at Moss Point High School, where he averaged over 30 points per game and won back-to-back Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year honors. His time on the Coast drew national attention, eventually earning him a scholarship to Kentucky and a first-round draft selection in 2015. Today, he remains one of the NBA’s elite scorers — and the most decorated Mississippi high-school alumnus currently in the league.
Alijah Martin (Summit, MS) — SG — Toronto Raptors
North Pike HS (2016-20)
Florida Atlantic (2020-24)
Florida (2024-25)
NBA Draft: 2025 Round 2: Pick 39 Toronto Raptors
2025-present: Toronto Raptors (Two Way)
2025-present: Raptors 905 (G-League)
The Summit native was a standout at North Pike High School, where his leaping ability and scoring instincts made him one of the top guards in Southwest Mississippi. After a breakout college career at Florida Atlantic — including a Final Four run — and a transfer to Florida, where he helped guide the Gators to the National Championship. Playing in two Final Fours (2023 and 2025). Martin was drafted 39th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. Now on a two-way contract, he’s expected to split time between Toronto and their G League affiliate while developing into a rotational shooting guard. Martin’s journey from small-town Mississippi to the pros highlights how the state continues to produce under-the-radar athletes ready to shine on bigger stages.
Tolu Smith (Bay St. Louis) — PF — Detroit Pistons
Bay HS (2014-17)
Kahuku (HI) HS (2017-18)
Western Kentucky (2018-19)
Mississippi State (2020-24)
NBA Draft: Undrafted 2024
2024-present Detroit Pistons (Two Way)
2024-present Motor City Cruise (G-League)
After playing his first three years of high school at Bay High in Bay St. Louis Smith moved with his family to Hawaii, where he finished his senior season as the Honolulu Star Advertiser High School Player of the Year in 2018. Smith played a year at Western Kentucky before returning to his home state to star for Mississippi State, where he earned All-SEC honors and became a fan favorite for his energy in the paint. After signing a two-way contract with the Detroit Pistons in 2024, he’s continued to develop as a physical forward with a soft touch inside.
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