Ranking the 10 greatest NBA players drafted out of high school

2. Kobe Bryant is a testament to the way hard work translates to NBA stardom.

Unlike many other players in his category, Kobe Bryant took some time to become great. What set him apart from the very beginning was his relentless work ethic. A gym rat like no other, Kobe’s mentality and commitment to his craft, as well as his body, propelled him from a draft night dart throw to one of the most storied champions of basketball mythology.

He made an All-Rookie team, but Kobe didn’t crack the top five in Rookie of the Year voting back in 1997. The young Mamba shot terribly from the floor and averaged just 7.6 points per game in his first season. Still, there was a star quality from within that kept the Los Angeles Lakers enthralled, investing further into this 18-year-old despite his blatant woes adjusting to pro basketball.

We all know how that ended up. Kobe retired as a five-time champion, one-time MVP, 18-time All-Star, two-time scoring champ and one of the most revered individuals in pro sports. A true student of the game, Kobe’s inquisitive disposition was the only trait that reached the same heights as his competitive nature. He didn’t just study how to be the best basketball player — Kobe studied how to be the best at everything he did.

That cocky, smart aleck ball player from Lower Merion High School grew up before the eyes of the basketball world, peeling back layers of the sport to become the very best. And that he was.