Legacy of Peoria's Basketball Pioneers
USA TODAY Sports is honoring the 250 greatest American sports figures, and within that pantheon the Peoria region shines brightly. The USA TODAY Network has made it a point to celebrate high school athletes who have shaped their communities, and the city of Peoria has produced a remarkable batch of boys basketball talent.
At the top of the list stands Doug Altenberger, who capped his high school career with a 55‑point explosion in the final game of his senior season. His dominance earned him a spot in the 1987 NBA draft, where the Chicago Bulls selected him, marking the beginning of a professional journey that, while brief, remains a point of pride for the city.
David Booth’s name is etched in Illinois basketball lore. He led Manual High School to three consecutive Class AA state finals and became the first DePaul player to reach the 1,500‑point milestone while also amassing 500 rebounds, 200 assists and 100 blocks — a statistical rarity that underscores his all‑around impact.
A.J. Guyton’s collegiate brilliance at Indiana earned him the 2000 Big Ten Conference Player of the Year award and a first‑team All‑American selection. His sharpshooting and leadership helped the Hoosiers become a national contender, and his name still resonates in the state’s basketball conversations.
Shaun Livingston’s high school résumé includes back‑to‑back Class AA state championships at Central High School. He would later become a three‑time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors, a testament to the durability and skill that Peoria’s programs have historically cultivated.
Sergio McClain stands alone in Illinois High School Association history as the only four‑year starter with a perfect postseason record and four straight Class AA titles. His relentless consistency set a benchmark that few have approached.
Howard Nathan made history as the first Peoria player to be named Illinois Mr. Basketball. His subsequent NBA career proved that the city could produce not just a local star but a professional athlete capable of competing at the highest level.
Chris Reynolds brought distinction as a two‑time all‑Mid‑State 9 Conference guard and a member of Indiana’s 1992 Final Four squad. His defensive tenacity and clutch performances added another chapter to Peoria’s rich basketball narrative.
Mike Robinson Jr. is Peoria’s all‑time leading scorer and was crowned the No. 1 high school player in the nation by SLAM Magazine in 1996. His scoring prowess and national recognition cemented his status as a generational talent.
Chris Williams broke new ground as the first Mid‑State 9 Conference player to earn all‑conference honors three times, while Frank Williams contributed to back‑to‑back Class AA state titles in 1996 and 1997 before the New York Knicks selected him in the 2002 NBA draft. Both brothers exemplify the sustained excellence that has defined Peoria basketball.