Current NBA Players from the State of Virginia (2023-2024)
Basketball players, and indeed competitors across all athletic fields, carry a badge of honor for their birthplaces. It could be their home state, the neighborhood they grew up in, or the area code they associate with; there’s always a noticeable desire to represent one’s beginnings.
The same holds true for the fan base. There’s an added thrill in supporting a player who shares your state lines or even the same local stomping grounds, especially when that athlete plays for the team you root for above all others.
Bearing this in mind, we scoured through NBA.com to extract the home states or, in some instances, the home countries of every player listed on the active rosters of each team.
Our findings included 8 players originating from the state of Virginia.
NBA Players from Virginia
Below is a list of all 8 players on NBA rosters at the commencement of the 2023 season, detailing their hometowns and the respective teams they represent.
| Name | City | State | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dorian Finney-Smith | Portsmouth | Virginia | Brooklyn Nets |
| Jalen Smith | Portsmouth | Virginia | Indiana Pacers |
| Mark Williams | Norfolk | Virginia | Charlotte Hornets |
| Wendell Moore Jr. | Richmond | Virginia | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Keyontae Johnson | Norfolk | Virginia | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Tari Eason | Portsmouth | Virginia | Houston Rockets |
| Dereon Seabron | Norfolk | Virginia | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Keldon Johnson | Chesterfield | Virginia | San Antonio Spurs |
Player Bios
Here is a little more info on a few of the standout players from the state of Virginia:
Dorian Finney-Smith
Dorian Finney-Smith was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, a city with a strong sense of community and a rich athletic tradition. Finney-Smith attended Norcom High School in Portsmouth, where he developed into a top basketball prospect, known for his versatility and defensive prowess.
His high school career included state championship victories and individual accolades. Finney-Smith played college basketball first at Virginia Tech and then transferred to the University of Florida, where he became known for his defensive skills, rebounding, and all-around play.
His journey from Portsmouth to the NBA underscores his development as a versatile forward, his resilience, and the strength of Virginia’s basketball culture.
Mark Williams
Mark Williams was born in Norfolk, Virginia, a city with a strong sporting culture and a supportive community. Williams attended Norfolk Academy before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida for his high school career.
At IMG Academy, he honed his skills and emerged as a top center prospect, known for his height, shot-blocking ability, and dominance in the paint. Williams played college basketball at Duke University, where he continued to develop his game, becoming known for his rim protection, rebounding, and efficient scoring.
His journey from Norfolk to Duke and then to the NBA highlights his development as a formidable center, his potential, and the nurturing environment of Virginia’s basketball scene.
Conclusion
From the driveways of small-town Virginia to the gleaming hardwood of NBA arenas, these players carry with them a piece of their home state, a testament to the talent and determination that Virginia instills in its athletes.
Whether they are rookies making their debut or seasoned veterans known by every fan, the pride of Virginia continues to shine on the national stage. To the fans back home, these players are more than just athletes; they are local heroes, each with a story that resonates with the dreams of young ballers across the state.
As the season unfolds, we will watch their stories develop further, cheering for not only the skills they display but also the communities they represent. The spirit of Virginia basketball is alive and well in the NBA, and perhaps, in the cheers of the crowd, the players can hear a little bit of home calling back to them.
