Scrimmage

During his junior year, in 1995, he averaged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game, and was named Pennsylvania Player of the Year, attracting attention from college recruiters around the country. There was also another option for him, though: turning pro.

Bryant seemed ready. He was dominant against players his own age, and he was named Naismith Player of the Year, Gatorade Men’s National Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American. He also earned a spot on the Parade All-American first team. What was truly impressive was that when he was invited to scrimmage with the Philadelphia 76ers while he was just a senior, he held his own.

Still, not everyone was convinced he was ready for the NBA, and it was fair to wonder how any 17-year-old kid would handle all the fame, money, attention and freedom that go along with being a pro athlete.