Top 20 Big Men in Indiana High School Basketball History

Indiana high school basketball has produced some of the greatest frontcourt players in basketball history. For more than a century, the Hoosier State has been known for legendary centers, dominant power forwards, and game-changing athletes who controlled the paint and carried their teams to championships. Some became NBA stars, Hall of Famers, and college legends, while others cemented their legacies entirely through their high school accomplishments.

This ranking is based strictly on what these players accomplished during their Indiana high school careers. State championships, Indiana Mr. Basketball awards, statistical production, dominance against competition, and overall impact on Indiana basketball history were the primary factors considered. From the pioneers of the 1920s to the modern stars of the class basketball era, these players represent the greatest big men ever to play Indiana high school basketball.

20. Luke Zeller (Washington, 2005)

Luke Zeller helped establish one of the greatest family legacies in Indiana basketball history. The oldest of the famed Zeller brothers, he became the foundation upon which Washington built a championship dynasty. Standing 6-foot-7, Zeller possessed a versatile offensive game that allowed him to score from multiple areas of the floor while providing leadership for one of the state’s premier programs.

His most famous moment came in the 2005 Class 3A State Championship game against Muncie Central. With the game tied and only seconds remaining, Zeller launched a shot from beyond half court that banked in at the buzzer, giving Washington an unforgettable state championship. The shot remains one of the most iconic moments in Indiana basketball history.

Beyond that legendary play, Zeller was an outstanding all-around player who helped elevate Washington into a statewide power. His combination of skill, leadership, and championship success earns him a place among Indiana’s greatest big men.

19. Ken Barlow (Indianapolis Cathedral, 1982)

Ken Barlow was one of the most physically gifted frontcourt players Indiana produced during the early 1980s. Standing 6-foot-10 with impressive athletic ability, the Cathedral standout dominated games through rebounding, interior scoring, and shot blocking. His size and mobility made him one of the state’s most heavily recruited prospects.

Barlow consistently excelled against top competition and helped Cathedral maintain its reputation as one of Indiana’s premier programs. His ability to control the paint on both ends of the floor made him a difficult matchup for opponents. Whether scoring around the basket or protecting the rim, Barlow impacted every game he played.

His accomplishments earned him Indiana All-Star honors and recognition as one of the state’s elite players. He would later enjoy a successful career at Notre Dame, but his high school résumé alone places him among Indiana’s all-time great big men. Few players of his era combined size, skill, and athleticism as effectively as Barlow.

18. Luke Harangody (Andrean, 2006)

Luke Harangody built his reputation through toughness, effort, and production. The Andrean star lacked the national hype of some players on this list, but few Indiana players have ever accomplished more through sheer determination and hard work.

Standing 6-foot-8 with a powerful frame, Harangody overwhelmed opponents through relentless rebounding and physical play. He consistently produced double-doubles and served as the centerpiece of Andrean’s success. His ability to score around the basket and outwork defenders made him one of Northwest Indiana’s most dominant players.

Harangody’s high school success foreshadowed a remarkable college career at Notre Dame, where he became one of the most decorated players in program history. However, his Indiana high school accomplishments stand on their own merit. His relentless style of play and ability to consistently dominate games make him one of the toughest and most productive big men the state has ever produced.

17. Charles “Stretch” Murphy (Marion, 1926)

Charles “Stretch” Murphy was one of the first dominant giants in Indiana basketball history. Standing approximately 6-foot-6 during the 1920s, Murphy towered over most opponents and helped revolutionize the role of the center position.

Playing for Marion, Murphy used his extraordinary size advantage to dominate games in ways rarely seen at the time. He controlled rebounds, scored efficiently around the basket, and anchored his team’s defense. His presence helped establish Marion as one of Indiana’s premier basketball communities.

Murphy’s influence extended far beyond statistics. He demonstrated the value of size in basketball during an era when the sport was still developing. Many historians consider him one of Indiana’s earliest true basketball stars.

Nearly a century after his playing career, Murphy remains a legendary figure. His pioneering impact on the game and his dominance during one of basketball’s formative periods secure his place among Indiana’s greatest big men.

16. Ray Tolbert (Anderson, 1977)

Ray Tolbert was one of the most athletic and exciting big men Indiana basketball produced during the 1970s. The Anderson star combined size, leaping ability, and scoring touch to become one of the state’s most feared frontcourt players. His exceptional senior season earned him Indiana Mr. Basketball honors in 1977 and solidified his place among the elite players of his era.

Standing 6-foot-9, Tolbert excelled as both a scorer and defender. He could finish above the rim, dominate the boards, and alter shots defensively. What truly set him apart was his athleticism. During an era when most centers played below the basket, Tolbert brought a level of explosiveness that few opponents could match.

His performances helped keep Anderson among Indiana’s basketball powers and added to the rich tradition of the legendary Wigwam. Tolbert’s success continued at Indiana University and later in professional basketball, but his dominance at Anderson remains one of the defining stories of Indiana basketball during the late 1970s.

1977 High School Dunk Contest

15. Josh McRoberts (Carmel, 2005)

Josh McRoberts was one of the most versatile frontcourt players Indiana has ever produced. The Carmel standout possessed a rare combination of size, athleticism, passing ability, and basketball IQ that made him one of the nation’s most highly regarded recruits.

Standing 6-foot-10, McRoberts could handle the ball, initiate offense, block shots, rebound, and score in a variety of ways. His court vision was especially impressive, as he often functioned as a playmaker rather than a traditional center. Few Indiana big men have ever displayed such a complete all-around skill set.

His national reputation reached its peak when he was named MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game, an honor reserved for the very best players in the country. Although he did not win Indiana Mr. Basketball, his talent and impact were unquestioned.

McRoberts’ ability to influence every aspect of a game makes him one of the most unique frontcourt players Indiana has ever seen. His versatility foreshadowed the modern style of basketball that would become common years later.

Josh McRoberts Hits Ridiculous Shot to End the Quarter (April 3, 2012)

14. Tyler Zeller (Washington, 2008)

Tyler Zeller helped continue Washington’s remarkable basketball dynasty while becoming one of the most accomplished centers in Indiana history. Standing seven feet tall, Zeller combined size, mobility, and skill to dominate opponents throughout his high school career.

Zeller led Washington to state championships in 2005 and 2008 and earned Indiana Mr. Basketball honors in 2008. His ability to score in the post, rebound, protect the rim, and run the floor made him one of the nation’s top recruits.

His defining performance came in the 2008 state championship game against South Bend St. Joseph when he scored a state finals record 47 points. The remarkable effort remains one of the greatest individual performances in Indiana championship-game history and helped secure another state title for Washington.

By the time he graduated, Zeller had established himself as one of the greatest centers the state had ever produced. His championships, record-setting performances, and individual accolades make him one of Indiana’s most accomplished big men.

North Carolina Tarheel bound Tyler Zeller slams home title

13. Cody Zeller (Washington, 2011)

Following two accomplished older brothers would have been difficult for most players. Cody Zeller, however, surpassed even the highest expectations. By the end of his career, he had become one of the most decorated players in modern Indiana basketball history.

Standing 6-foot-11 with exceptional athleticism, Zeller could do things most players his size simply could not. He ran the floor like a guard, finished above the rim, rebounded at an elite level, and possessed outstanding ball-handling skills. His versatility made him nearly impossible to defend.

Zeller helped lead Washington to three state championships and earned Indiana Mr. Basketball honors in 2011. His impact extended beyond statistics because he consistently elevated the performance of everyone around him.

Nationally recognized as one of the top recruits in America, Zeller became the latest star in Washington’s championship tradition. His combination of winning, individual excellence, and versatility places him among the greatest big men ever produced by the Hoosier State.

Indiana Commit Cody Zeller Highlight Mixtape

12. Deshaun Thomas (Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, 2010)

Deshaun Thomas finished his high school career as one of the most prolific scorers in Indiana basketball history. The Bishop Luers star scored 3,018 career points, ranking among the state’s all-time leaders while helping establish one of the most successful programs in Indiana.

Thomas led Bishop Luers to two state championships and consistently dominated opponents with his scoring ability. Although often viewed as a forward, he possessed the strength and physicality of a traditional big man while adding perimeter skills that made him nearly impossible to contain.

His historic senior season culminated with him being named Indiana Mr. Basketball in 2010. Defenders routinely focused entire game plans on slowing him down, yet he continued to score at an extraordinary rate. Whether attacking the basket, posting up defenders, or knocking down jump shots, Thomas found ways to produce.

Few players in Indiana history combined scoring production and team success as effectively as Thomas. His championships, awards, and historic point total firmly place him among the state’s greatest frontcourt players.

HARDING AT BISHOP LUERS BASKETBALL HIGHLIGHTS DESHAUN THOMAS

11. Jared Jeffries (Bloomington North, 2000)

Jared Jeffries completed one of the greatest individual seasons in Indiana basketball history when he led Bloomington North to the 2000 Class 4A State Championship. The 6-foot-11 superstar possessed a rare combination of size, skill, athleticism, and versatility that made him one of the most complete players ever produced by the state.

Unlike many traditional big men, Jeffries could handle the ball, run the offense, defend multiple positions, and score from anywhere on the floor. His unique skill set made him a nightmare matchup for opponents. Whether playing inside or on the perimeter, Jeffries consistently found ways to impact games.

His remarkable senior season earned him Indiana Mr. Basketball honors and Gatorade National Player of the Year recognition. He was widely considered one of the best high school players in America and backed up the hype with championship success.

Jeffries’ ability to dominate every phase of the game while leading Bloomington North to a state title secures his place among the greatest frontcourt players in Indiana basketball history.

Bloomington North 2000 IHSAA Basketball Finalist

10. Steve Downing (Indianapolis Washington, 1969)

Steve Downing was a dominant force on what many historians consider the greatest team in Indiana high school basketball history. While teammate George McGinnis often received the national attention, Downing was every bit as important to Indianapolis Washington’s legendary 31-0 state championship season in 1969.

Standing 6-foot-8 and possessing exceptional strength, Downing controlled games through rebounding, interior scoring, and defense. Opponents struggled to match his physical style of play, and his presence helped make Washington nearly unbeatable. Alongside McGinnis, he formed perhaps the greatest frontcourt duo Indiana basketball has ever seen.

Washington steamrolled through the season and captured the state championship without a loss. Downing’s contributions were a major reason why many still consider that team the greatest in Indiana history.

His success continued at Indiana University, where he became an All-American and one of the program’s most accomplished players. However, his high school accomplishments alone make him one of the greatest big men the Hoosier State has ever produced.

1969 Boys Basketball State Finals – Indianapolis Washington vs. Gary Tolleston

9. Trayce Jackson-Davis (Center Grove, 2019)

Trayce Jackson-Davis represented the modern evolution of the Indiana big man. The Center Grove star combined elite athleticism, versatility, and defensive dominance to become one of the most exciting players of his generation. By the end of his career, he had firmly established himself among the state’s all-time great frontcourt players.

Standing 6-foot-9, Jackson-Davis excelled as a scorer, rebounder, shot blocker, and transition player. He could protect the rim defensively and then outrun opponents for easy baskets on the other end. His ability to impact every phase of the game separated him from nearly every player he faced.

His senior season earned him Indiana Mr. Basketball honors and national recognition as one of the country’s top recruits. Jackson-Davis consistently delivered dominant performances against elite competition and carried Center Grove to statewide prominence.

Few Indiana players have combined his athletic gifts with his production and leadership. His remarkable prep career remains one of the most impressive of the modern era.

TRAYCE JACKSON DROPS 40 | HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

8. Alan Henderson (Brebeuf Jesuit, 1991)

Alan Henderson was one of the most dominant scorers ever produced by Indiana high school basketball. The Brebeuf Jesuit star finished his career with 2,419 points, placing him among the highest scorers in state history and establishing himself as one of Indiana’s premier frontcourt players.

Standing 6-foot-9 with outstanding athletic ability, Henderson could score in the post, attack from the perimeter, and dominate the glass. Opponents frequently devoted multiple defenders to slowing him down, but few found success. His ability to consistently produce against top competition made him one of the most feared players in Indiana.

His exceptional senior season earned him Indiana Mr. Basketball honors and recognition as one of the nation’s top recruits. Henderson’s scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive presence allowed him to control games in virtually every way possible.

Few players have combined statistical production and overall dominance more effectively. Henderson’s accomplishments secure his place among the greatest big men in Indiana basketball history.

Mt Vernon Marauders vs Brebeuf Braves – 1991 Boys Basketball Ind Hinkle Semi-State Championship Game

7. Kent Benson (New Castle, 1973)

Kent Benson was the standard-bearer for traditional post play in Indiana basketball during the early 1970s. The New Castle star combined size, skill, intelligence, and toughness to become one of the most accomplished centers the state has ever produced.

Standing 6-foot-10, Benson dominated opponents with outstanding footwork, rebounding ability, and defensive presence. He controlled the paint on both ends of the floor and consistently delivered in important games. His remarkable senior season earned him Indiana Mr. Basketball honors in 1973.

Benson’s impact extended beyond individual statistics. He was the centerpiece of New Castle’s success and helped maintain the Trojans’ reputation as one of Indiana’s premier basketball programs. His leadership and consistency made him one of the most respected players in the state.

Although he later became a national champion and All-American at Indiana University, Benson’s place among Indiana’s high school legends was already secure. He remains one of the finest pure centers ever produced by the Hoosier State.

March 20, 1971 Elkhart vs New Castle (Final 4)

6. Zach Randolph (Marion, 2000)

Zach Randolph delivered one of the most dominant seasons in modern Indiana basketball history while leading Marion to the 2000 Class 4A State Championship. The powerful 6-foot-9 forward overwhelmed opponents with a combination of strength, rebounding, footwork, and scoring touch that few high school players could match.

Randolph was the focal point of every defense he faced, yet opponents still struggled to contain him. He controlled games from the low post, consistently scored through double teams, and dominated the glass on both ends of the floor. His physical style of play and relentless competitiveness made him one of the most feared players in Indiana.

What separates Randolph from many great players is the level of competition he dominated. Marion played in Indiana’s largest classification, and Randolph routinely delivered against elite opponents. His leadership helped return the Giants to the top of Indiana basketball and added another championship to one of the state’s most storied programs.

His combination of dominance, championship success, and impact on winning makes him one of the greatest big men in Indiana high school basketball history.

Zach Randolph: Marion vs Bloomington North 2000 State Championship Title Game

5. Shawn Kemp (Concord, 1988)

Few players in Indiana basketball history possessed the raw athletic ability of Shawn Kemp. The Concord High School star became a sensation during the late 1980s because of his incredible explosiveness, shot-blocking ability, and highlight-reel dunks. Long before becoming an NBA superstar, Kemp was one of the most exciting players ever to appear on an Indiana high school court.

Standing 6-foot-10 with elite leaping ability, Kemp routinely made plays that seemed impossible. He could block shots into the stands, finish fast breaks with thunderous dunks, and dominate the glass. His athletic gifts were unlike anything most Indiana fans had ever seen.

Although his high school résumé lacks the championships and awards of some players ranked above him, his talent level was undeniable. He earned McDonald’s All-American honors and became one of the most heavily recruited players in America. His combination of size and athleticism helped redefine expectations for what a big man could do and made him one of the most memorable players in Indiana basketball history.

THE REIGNMAN Shawn Kemp (Concord HS) Highlights vs. Muncie Central HS (Indiana State HS Final 1988)

4. Walt Bellamy (La Porte, 1957)

Walt Bellamy was one of the first truly dominant giant centers in Indiana basketball history. Long before seven-foot players became common, Bellamy used his extraordinary size, athleticism, and skill to overwhelm opponents and establish himself as one of the state’s greatest players.

At La Porte High School, Bellamy controlled games through rebounding, shot blocking, and efficient scoring around the basket. Opponents simply had no answer for his physical presence. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor helped make him one of the most respected players in Indiana during the 1950s.

Bellamy’s impact extended far beyond his high school years. He went on to star at Indiana University, became the NBA Rookie of the Year, earned four All-NBA selections, and was eventually inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. However, the foundation of that legendary career was built during his remarkable prep years at La Porte.

Few players in Indiana history have possessed Bellamy’s combination of size, athletic ability, and long-term influence on the game. He remains one of the most important big men ever produced by the Hoosier State.

Walt Bellamy Highlights: In Memoriam

3. Greg Oden (Lawrence North, 2006)

Greg Oden authored one of the most dominant careers Indiana high school basketball has ever seen. The Lawrence North superstar led the Wildcats to three consecutive Class 4A State Championships from 2004 through 2006, an accomplishment unmatched by any other player on this list.

Standing seven feet tall with exceptional mobility and athleticism, Oden transformed games defensively. Opponents frequently altered entire offensive game plans simply because of his presence in the paint. He controlled rebounds, blocked shots, and protected the basket at a level rarely seen in high school basketball.

Oden’s dominance earned him 2006 Indiana Mr. Basketball honors and recognition as the consensus No. 1 player in America. Despite constant pressure and enormous expectations, he consistently delivered in the biggest moments and helped Lawrence North become one of the greatest programs in Indiana history.

Although injuries limited his professional career, nothing can diminish what he accomplished in high school. His combination of individual dominance, defensive impact, and three state championships places him among the greatest players ever produced by Indiana.

Greg Oden – Lawrence North High School – Highlights/Interview – Sports Stars of Tomorrow

2. Glenn Robinson (Gary Roosevelt, 1991)

Few players in Indiana basketball history combined power, skill, and dominance the way Glenn Robinson did at Gary Roosevelt High School. Known later as “Big Dog,” Robinson was already one of the nation’s most feared players long before he became a college and NBA superstar.

Standing 6-foot-7 with a powerful frame and exceptional athletic ability, Robinson could overpower defenders in the paint while also displaying the perimeter skills of a guard. He scored from every area of the floor, controlled the boards, and routinely took over games against Indiana’s toughest competition.

Robinson helped lead Gary Roosevelt to the 1990 Class 4A State Championship and followed that accomplishment by earning 1991 Indiana Mr. Basketball honors. He was also selected as a McDonald’s All-American and Parade All-American, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s elite recruits.

Few players have ever dominated Indiana’s largest-school classification as thoroughly as Robinson. His combination of championship success, individual accolades, and overwhelming physical gifts makes him one of the greatest big men in state history.

1991 IHSAA State Championship: Gary Roosevelt 51, Brebeuf 32

1. George McGinnis (Indianapolis Washington, 1969)

No big man in Indiana high school basketball history accomplished more than George McGinnis. The Indianapolis Washington legend produced what many consider the greatest individual season ever by a Hoosier player while leading the Continentals to a perfect 31-0 record and the 1969 state championship.

McGinnis became the first player in Indiana history to score more than 1,000 points in a single season, a feat that seemed almost impossible at the time. Despite facing double teams, triple teams, and enormous expectations, he dominated every opponent with a combination of size, strength, athleticism, and basketball skill rarely seen at any level.

What made McGinnis unique was his complete game. He could score inside and outside, rebound at an elite level, handle the ball, and take over contests whenever necessary. His performances helped make the 1969 Washington team one of the most celebrated teams in Indiana basketball history.

More than fifty years later, McGinnis remains the standard against which all Indiana big men are measured. His combination of statistics, championships, dominance, and historical significance secures his place as the greatest frontcourt player in Indiana high school basketball history.

Indianapolis Washington Continentals Celebrate 50th Anniversary of 1969 State Finals Championship

Conclusion

Indiana basketball has produced an extraordinary collection of frontcourt talent over the last century. From pioneers like Charles “Stretch” Murphy and Walt Bellamy to modern stars such as Greg Oden and Trayce Jackson-Davis, each player on this list helped shape the state’s rich basketball tradition.

What unites these twenty players is their ability to dominate games, elevate teammates, and leave lasting legacies that extend far beyond statistics. State championships, Indiana Mr. Basketball awards, record-setting performances, and unforgettable moments all contributed to their place in history. Some became NBA All-Stars, Hall of Famers, and college legends, while others are remembered primarily for their achievements on Indiana high school courts.

At the top stands George McGinnis, whose legendary 1969 season remains one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of Indiana athletics. Together, these twenty players represent the finest collection of big men ever produced by the basketball-crazed state of Indiana.