The late Kobe Bryant was a phenomenal basketball player, and he also had the heart of a lion. Fans will remember the five-time NBA champion making two free throws after tearing his achilles tendon against the Golden State Warriors while battling for the eighth playoff spot in 2013.
But before he became a legend in the iconic purple and gold of the LA Lakers, the former shooting guard lit up the high school and college circuit. Kobe became the biggest star at Lower Merion High and his talent was apparent from the get-go, as he became the first freshman to start on their varsity team in decades.
By his junior year, Bryant was one of the biggest names on the circuit, as he averaged 31.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 blocks, and 2.3 steals, which earned him Pennsylvania Player of the Year honours. But prior to the state championship semi-final, Kobe broke his nose diving for a loose ball and collided with a teammate during practice. His coach Gregg Downer recalled the incident and explained Bryant’s heroic response to his injury.
