Anthony DAVIS

Born in Chicago in 1993, Anthony Davis starred for the Perspective Charter School despite it not being noted for sporting success. His parents considered moving him to a school with a proper basketball programme, but he stayed at Perspective and managed to attract college scouts.

Having been originally a short outside shooter, Davis underwent a spectacular growth spurt and stood 2.08m when he committed for the University of Kentucky while still playing as a guard at high school.

Davis had just one season at the Wildcats but what a campaign it was. As well as being a first-team All-American and the Consensus National Player of the Year, he helped the team to the NCAA Championship and became just the fourth freshman to be named Most Outstanding Player.

He was picked first overall by the New Orleans Hornets in the NBA Draft and quickly made his mark. After earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honours, he was an All-Star in his second year and led the NBA in blocked shots per game.