📄 CBGM Analytics – Recruiting by State: Where do most CBGM top recruits come from?
I tracked recruiting trends across the United States for 20 years, focusing on where top talent comes from. Using a point system that assigns scores to the Top 25 recruits each year based on their ranking (with 25 points for the top recruit and 1 point for the 25th), the data sheds light on the states producing the best talent—and those falling behind. The results show the dominance of traditional powerhouses but also some unexpected surprises.
At the top of the recruiting leaderboard is Texas, with a remarkable consistency over the 20-year span. From major metropolitan areas like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio, Texas has produced wave after wave of elite prospects, finishing first in the overall rankings. High school programs in the state have become fertile grounds for basketball talent, and it’s no surprise that top college programs frequently scout Texas in their recruiting efforts.
Following Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia round out the top five. These states have long been known for producing basketball talent, and they’ve continued to live up to expectations. California’s expansive talent pool, Florida’s athletic prowess, Georgia’s deep culture of competitive sports, and Virginia’s strong high school programs have cemented their places as national recruiting hotbeds.
One of the biggest surprises in the rankings is Pennsylvania finishing 6th overall. While known for football, Pennsylvania has quietly developed into a basketball powerhouse, with strong high school programs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh churning out top recruits. The rise of AAU programs and coaching clinics has also contributed to this unexpected surge.
Another surprise is Utah, ranked 11th. Despite being less populous and without the same sporting pedigree as larger states, Utah’s talent pipeline has grown over the past two decades. The state’s emphasis on youth sports and strong developmental programs have allowed it to punch above its weight, outperforming more populous states.
New Hampshire, ranked 18th, is perhaps the most shocking of all. Known more for skiing and quiet winters than basketball, the state has somehow found a way to produce Top 25 talent consistently. Private prep schools, such as Brewster Academy, have become breeding grounds for high-level recruits, attracting top-tier talent from around the country.
Underperformers: Oklahoma, Oregon, and Arizona
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Oklahoma is a notable underachiever, coming in 38th place. Despite producing some notable NBA talent, the state has struggled to maintain a pipeline of elite high school prospects. The state’s football-first culture could explain part of the issue, as many top athletes opt for the gridiron rather than the hardwood.
Oregon and Arizona are two other surprising disappointments, finishing 36th and 35th, respectively. While these states have produced their fair share of notable players, their consistent lack of elite Top 25 talent over 20 years suggests that basketball has not grown to the same level of importance as in other parts of the country. For Arizona, in particular, this is surprising given its rich basketball tradition at the collegiate level.
The Empty States: Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota
Finally, three states—Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota—did not produce a single Top 25 player in 20 years. While these states are sparsely populated and focus heavily on sports like football and wrestling, it’s notable that not one elite basketball prospect has emerged from these areas in two decades. For these states, basketball remains a lower priority, and the numbers reflect it.
Conclusion: The Ever-Changing Landscape of College Basketball Recruiting
The CBGM’s data reveals a fascinating landscape for basketball recruiting. While traditional powerhouses like Texas and California continue to lead, states like Pennsylvania, Utah, and New Hampshire are making surprising gains. Meanwhile, some expected basketball states, such as Oklahoma and Arizona, have fallen behind, and others like Idaho, Montana, and South Dakota remain without a single Top 25 player.
As basketball evolves and more resources are invested into youth programs across the country, it will be interesting to see how these trends shift over the next 20 years. Will the powerhouses continue to dominate, or will more unexpected states emerge to challenge the status quo? Only time—and the next generation of talent—will tell.
Data
All recruiting stats available here -> Recruiting stats.
