The Eastern Conference Finals this year pits two of the league’s most dynamic rosters against each other, and the story begins long before the arenas lights turn on. The starters for the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks each carry with them the imprint of the high schools that forged their games, turning local fields into launchpads for NBA dreams.
The Connecticut Connection
Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers’ electrifying guard, first honed his craft at Canterbury School in New Milford, Connecticut, before sharpening his skills at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire. The disciplined environment of New England prep schools helped him develop the poise and work ethic that now make him a nightly threat on the court.
California’s Basketball Powerhouses
Across the country, California’s basketball factories have produced a new generation of talent. James Harden, now a veteran scorer for the Knicks, led Artesia High School in Lakewood to back‑to‑back state championships, a feat that cemented his reputation as a clutch performer. Evan Mobley, the towering forward for Cleveland, rose from Rancho Christian School in Temecula, where he was crowned the No. 1 recruit of the 2020 class, signaling a rare blend of size and skill.
Kansas and Beyond
Dean Wade’s high school career at St. John’s in Kansas culminated in being named Mr. Kansas Basketball after guiding his team to three state titles. His leadership there laid the groundwork for the versatility he displays in the NBA today. Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen’s journey took him from Round Rock High in Texas to St. Stephen’s Episcopal in Austin, a move that broadened his exposure and refined his defensive identity.
New York’s Prep pedigrees
The Knicks’ starting lineup also reflects a rich tapestry of prep excellence. Jalen Brunson, now the team’s floor general, sits 19th all‑time in New York state scoring history with 2,682 points at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Illinois, a testament to his scoring prowess. Mikal Bridges, a defensive stalwart, sharpened his game at Great Valley High in Pennsylvania before committing to Villanova, where he would later translate his prep success into NBA impact.
OG Anunoby, another key wing for New York, spent his formative years at Jefferson City High in Missouri, where he earned a spot as a finalist for Mr. Basketball in the state. Josh Hart’s prep years were split between Wheaton High in Maryland and the prestigious Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., experiences that helped shape his relentless hustle. Finally, Karl‑Anthony Towns, a dominant big man, led St. Joseph High in Metuchen, New Jersey, to a national championship in 2012 and back‑to‑back state titles in 2013 and 2014, a trajectory that set the stage for his eventual rise in the league.