For Meyers Leonard, the journey to basketball stardom began in the small southeastern Illinois town of Robinson. In 2026, that remarkable journey will be recognized in a lasting way as Leonard is inducted into the Illinois Sports Hall of Fame.
Leonard’s path to basketball success was anything but ordinary. Born in Woodbridge, Virginia, he was raised in Robinson, Illinois, where he overcame significant adversity at a young age. His father, James Leonard, a golf professional, was killed in a bicycle accident when Meyers was just six years old. With his mother, Tracie, dealing with chronic pain from previous injuries, Leonard found guidance and support from the family of Brian Siler, who became a father figure during his formative years.
Standing over seven feet tall today, Leonard wasn’t always destined to be a center. He entered high school as a guard before a dramatic growth spurt transformed both his size and his basketball future. Despite adding six inches in height between his freshman and sophomore seasons, Leonard retained the athleticism and coordination that would eventually make him a highly sought-after recruit.
His rise culminated in one of the greatest achievements in Robinson High School history as he led the Maroons to the 2010 IHSA Class 2A State Championship. Along the way, he earned Illinois All-State honors from multiple organizations, including the Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, News-Gazette, and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.
Leonard stayed home to continue his basketball career at the University of Illinois. After seeing limited action as a freshman, he blossomed into one of the Big Ten’s top players during his sophomore season, averaging 13.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. His breakout year earned him multiple Big Ten Player of the Week honors and Honorable Mention All-Big Ten recognition.
Following his sophomore campaign, Leonard declared for the 2012 NBA Draft and was selected 11th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, becoming one of the highest-drafted players in Illinois basketball history.
Leonard spent seven seasons in Portland before joining the Miami Heat in 2019. He helped the Heat reach the NBA Finals during the 2020 season and later finished his NBA career with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Over 10 NBA seasons, Leonard appeared in 456 games, scoring 2,545 career points while grabbing 1,771 rebounds. He averaged 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and an impressive 39 percent from three-point range.
One of Leonard’s most unique accomplishments came as a shooter. Despite standing 7-foot-1, he finished his career with one of the highest three-point percentages ever recorded by a seven-footer. His 39 percent mark from beyond the arc ranks among the best in NBA history for players of his size, showcasing a skill set that was ahead of its time for a center.
From a state championship in Robinson to the bright lights of the NBA Finals, Leonard’s basketball journey reflects perseverance, resilience, and elite talent. Now, his accomplishments will be permanently enshrined among the state’s greatest athletes.
The Illinois Sports Hall of Fame induction serves as a fitting honor for a player who proudly represented Robinson, the University of Illinois, and the state of Illinois throughout his basketball career.
