Mississippi All-Time Basketball Team

The Mississippi High School Athletics Associations (MHSAA) Basketball State Championships tip off Thursday through Saturday in Jackson at the Mississippi Coliseum. To celebrate I’ve compiled an All-Time Men’s Basketball Team from the Magnolia State

First Team

G Devin Booker 6’6; 206 Moss Point Kentucky 2015 Round 1 (13) PHX     2015-present

Devin Booker had an outstanding high school basketball career at Moss Point High School in Mississippi. He quickly established himself as a top player, earning recognition as a five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American. During his senior year, Booker averaged an impressive 32.8 points per game, leading his team and becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer with 2,518 points. His remarkable performance on the court earned him the Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year award and solidified his reputation as one of the best high school players in the nation.

He then played a pivotal role at the University of Kentucky for one season, helping the Wildcats achieve a remarkable 38-1 record and reach the Final Four. In 2015, Booker was selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Draft. He quickly gained recognition for his scoring ability, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to score 70 points in a single game. Over the years, he has earned six All-Star selections and led the Suns to the NBA Finals in the 2020-2021 season. Booker has also represented the United States in international competitions, winning gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2024 Paris Games.

G Monta Ellis 6’3; 185 Lanier HS (Jackson) 2005 Round 2 (40) GS         2005-2017

Ellis had an illustrious high school basketball career at Lanier High School in Jackson. As a senior during the 2004-2005 season, Ellis led Lanier to its second state championship in four years, averaging an astounding 38.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 4.5 steals per game. He scored 72 points in a single game against Greenwood, tying for the second-highest mark in state history2. Over his four years at Lanier, Ellis guided the team to a 129-16 record, earning numerous accolades, including the 2005 EA SPORTS National Player of the Year and Parade co-Player of the Year. His remarkable high school career set the stage for his successful transition to the NBA.

He was drafted 40th overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2005 NBA Draft. Ellis quickly made a name for himself as a dynamic scorer and playmaker, earning the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2007. During his time with the Warriors, he became one of the league’s top scorers, averaging nearly 25 points per game in two separate seasons.

Ellis was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2012, where he continued to be a key contributor. He later played for the Dallas Mavericks and the Indiana Pacers, maintaining his reputation as a reliable scorer and versatile guard. Over his 12-year NBA career, Ellis averaged 17.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. As of 2024 Ellis currently lives in Eads, Tennessee with his wife and two kids.

F Purvis Short 6’7; 210 Hattiesburg HS Jackson State 1978 Round 1 (5) GS 1978-1990

Known for his high-arching jump shot, Short quickly became a key player for the Warriors. Over his 12-year NBA career, he played for the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and New Jersey Nets. Short averaged 17.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game2. He scored a career-high 59 points in a game against the New Jersey Nets in 1984. After leaving the NBA, Short played one season of basketball in Israel before retiring in 1992. After retiring he worked for the NBA Player’s Association for a number of years. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.

F Antonio McDyess 6’9; 240 Quitman HS Alabama 1995 Round 1 (2) LAC 1995-2011

Antonio McDyess had a remarkable high school basketball career at Quitman High School. He was recognized as one of the top 30 players nationally and earned a spot in the prestigious Magic Johnson Roundball Classic. McDyess’s athleticism, explosive leaping ability, and power dunking made him a standout player, setting the stage for his successful college and NBA career.

He played college basketball at the University of Alabama, where he was recognized as one of the SEC’s best big men. McDyess was selected second overall in the 1995 NBA Draft by the Los Angeles Clippers but was traded to the Denver Nuggets before the season began.

McDyess quickly established himself as a powerful forward known for his explosive leaping and dunking ability. He played for several NBA teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs. Over his 15-year NBA career, McDyess averaged 12.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He was named an NBA All-Star in 2001 and earned All-NBA Third Team honors in 1999.

McDyess also represented the United States in international competitions, winning a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. After retiring from professional basketball in 2011, McDyess left a lasting legacy as a versatile and impactful player in the NBA.

C Al Jefferson 6’10; 289 Prentiss HS No College 2004 Round 1 (15) BOS 2004-2018

Al Jefferson had an outstanding high school basketball career at Prentiss High School. He quickly became one of the top high school players in the nation, earning recognition as a McDonald’s All-American and a five-star recruit. During his senior year, Jefferson averaged an impressive 42.6 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 blocks per game. His remarkable performance on the court drew the attention of college coaches and NBA scouts alike, ultimately leading him to skip college and enter the 2004 NBA Draft, where he was selected 15th overall by the Boston Celtics.

Over his 14-year NBA career, he played for the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets, and Indiana Pacers. Jefferson averaged 15.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game throughout his career. He earned All-NBA Third Team honors in 2014 while playing for the Charlotte Bobcats2. After leaving the NBA, Jefferson played one season with the Xinjiang Flying Tigers in China before retiring from professional basketball.

Second Team All-Mississippi Team

G Slick Watts 6’1; 175 Henry Weathers HS (Rolling Fork) Xavier (LA) 1973 Undrafted 1973-79

Slick Watts had a notable high school basketball career at Henry Weathers High School in Rolling Fork.. He was known for his quickness, defensive skills, and playmaking ability, which set the foundation for his future success in college and the NBA. His performance at Henry Weathers High School earned him a spot at Grand View Junior College and later at Xavier University in New Orleans.

Despite going undrafted in the 1973 NBA Draft, Watts earned a spot on the Seattle SuperSonics roster. Known for his quickness and defensive prowess, he became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both assists and steals in the same season (1975-1976). Watts was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team that year.

Throughout his career, Watts played for the Seattle SuperSonics, New Orleans Jazz, and Houston Rockets. He averaged 8.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game over six seasons. Watts was also known for his distinctive headband and charismatic personality, which made him a fan favorite. After retiring from the NBA, he taught physical education and coached basketball in the Seattle area.

G Mo Williams 6’1; 198 Murrah HS (Jackson) Alabama 2003 Round 2 (47) UTH 2003-2017

At Murrah High School in Jackson He was recognized as one of the top players in the state, earning the title of Mississippi Mr. Basketball in 2001. Williams was also named a McDonald’s All-American and a Parade All-American, showcasing his talent on a national level. His performance at Murrah High School set the stage for his successful college career at the University of Alabama and his eventual transition to the NBA.

He was selected 47th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2003 NBA Draft. Williams played for several NBA teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Charlotte Hornets.

Known for his scoring ability and playmaking skills, Williams averaged 13.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game over his career. He was named an NBA All-Star in 2009 while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Williams also won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and is currently the head coach of the Jackson State University men’s basketball team, a position he has held since 2022. He has also coached at Cal State Northridge (2018-20) and Alabama State (2020-22).

F Derrick McKey 6’10; 241 Meridian HS Alabama 1987 Round 1 (9) SEA 1987-2002

Derrick McKey had an impressive high school basketball career at Meridian High School. He played college basketball at the University of Alabama, where he was a standout player and earned All-American honors. McKey was selected ninth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics in the 1987 NBA Draft.

Known for his versatility and defensive prowess, McKey played for the Seattle SuperSonics, Indiana Pacers, and Philadelphia 76ers. He was a key player for the Pacers during their deep playoff runs in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including their appearance in the 2000 NBA Finals. McKey was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice and the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1988. Over his 15-year career, he averaged 11.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.

F Clarence Weatherspoon 6’7; 240 Motley HS (Columbus) Southern Miss 1992 Round 1 (9) PHI 1992-2005

While at Southern Miss from 1988-1992 He became the school’s most decorated player, earning three consecutive Metro Conference Player of the Year awards, a feat unmatched in conference history. Weatherspoon averaged 18.5 points and 11.3 rebounds per game over his four-year career, finishing as the school’s all-time leader in rebounds, blocked shots, and minutes played. He also ranked second in scoring, just six points shy of the all-time leader. His dominant performance on the court earned him All-American honors and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in Southern Miss history.

In the 1992 NBA Draft, Weatherspoon was selected ninth overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. He quickly made an impact in the league, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 1993. Weatherspoon’s aggressive playing style and ability to score and rebound effectively earned him the nickname “Baby Barkley,” a nod to his resemblance to fellow short-statured power forward Charles Barkley.

Weatherspoon played for the 76ers until 1998, when he was traded to the Golden State Warriors. He later played for the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Houston Rockets. Throughout his 13-year NBA career, Weatherspoon averaged 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He participated in the 1993 Slam Dunk Contest, finishing second to Harold Miner with an overall score of 92.

After retiring from professional basketball in 2005, Weatherspoon transitioned into coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the Southern Miss Golden Eagles from 2016 to 2022 and later joined Jones County Junior College as an assistant coach. In 2024, Weatherspoon became the head coach for Meridian Community College.

C Sam Lacey 6’10; 235 Indianola HS New Mexico State 1970 Round 1 (5) CIN 1970-1983

Sam Lacey from Indianola had a distinguished NBA career spanning from 1970 to 1983. He was selected fifth overall by the Cincinnati Royals in the 1970 NBA Draft. Lacey was known for his defensive prowess, rebounding ability, and playmaking skills as a center. He spent the majority of his career with the Royals, who later became the Kansas City-Omaha Kings and then the Kansas City Kings.

Lacey was named an NBA All-Star in 1975 and had his number 44 retired by the Sacramento Kings in recognition of his contributions to the franchise. Over his 13-year NBA career, he averaged 10.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Lacey was also known for his shot-blocking ability, averaging 1.5 blocks per game. After retiring from the NBA, he remained involved in basketball and community activities until his passing on March 14, 2014.

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