Monroe and the 318 area have produced some truly unforgettable high school basketball talent over the decades. Now, we're asking you to decide: who stands tallest among them?
As part of USA TODAY Sports' celebration of America's 250th anniversary, we're honoring the nation's 250 greatest sports figures—but we're starting where legends are born: on the local hardwood. That's where you, our readers, come in.
We've put together a list of some of the Monroe area's most iconic high school boys basketball players, complete with a snapshot of their achievements. From dominating the paint to lighting up the scoreboard, these athletes didn't just play the game—they defined it.
Here's a look at a few of the standouts:
Benoit Benjamin – A 7-foot center from Monroe, Benjamin was a First-Team Parade and McDonald's All-American in 1982. He went on to play at Creighton, was drafted third overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 1985, and spent 15 seasons in the NBA with eight different teams.
Ahmad Hudson – A two-sport star at Grambling Lab, Hudson was a three-time First Team All-State honoree and All-State MVP under the late coach Michael Lyons. At LSU, he made two All-SEC tournament teams and averaged 13.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game as a senior. Last winter, he led Lincoln Prep to its first LHSAA championship since 1992.
Andre Jackson – Playing under current Wossman coach Casey Jones, Jackson was a two-time First Team All-State selection and averaged 27.2 points and five rebounds per game as a senior. After a standout college career at Texas Tech—where he was twice named First Team All-Big 12—Jackson played professionally in Europe for over a decade.
Paul Millsap – Widely regarded as one of Louisiana's greatest basketball players, Millsap shined at Grambling Lab and later at Louisiana Tech. With the Bulldogs, he averaged 18.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, leading the team to national prominence.
These are just a few of the legends who've made Monroe proud. But the list doesn't end here—there's a write-in option in our poll for you to nominate your own local heroes.
So lace up your sneakers, cast your vote, and help us crown the Monroe area's greatest high school boys basketball player of all time.