"I'm sorry if you sign this contract, you have to play pro ball" - How Kobe Bryant tried to find a way to go to college even after signing an endorsement deal in 1996

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The late Kobe Bryant could have gone to college and then straight to the NBA in 1996. However, some circumstances needed to be considered. At the top of them all were the financial struggles the Bryant family was dealing with.

Kobe capped his high school career by leading the Aces to the state championship. With his standout performance in high school, it was hardly surprising that several colleges took an interest in Bean. That list included Duke, Michigan, North Carolina, and Villanova.

With cash strapped, Bryant signed a deal with Adidas, which would hinder him from playing college ball. However, according to Roland Lazenby, author of ‘Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant,’ KB24 tried to see if there was any way he could still play college hoops even after that.

Sorry Kobe, no dice

Lazenby shared how Bryant and sports marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro met at an Italian restaurant one time. Kobe inquired if his family could get the money and still play college basketball.

“Kobe said, ‘Mr. Vacarro, is there any way I can sign this contract, and my parents can have this money and go play college ball?’ Sonny had to say, ‘I’m sorry, Kobe, if you sign this contract, you’re a pro. You got to play pro ball,’” the journalist shared.

Kobe took a considerable risk, jumping from high school to the pros. But being the talented player that he was, Bryabt was able to weather the storm as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and become a legend.

Kobe’s college choices

With several good universities he could have gone to, the big question was which KB would have chosen.The 2008 NBA MVP would reveal his preferences, although it seems they boiled down to two schools – Duke and UNC.

Duke was his initial choice, but the 18-time All-Star would change it to UNC in 2007, pointing out how he would have loved to play alongside Vince Carter.

Whether he went to college or not, Bryant figured it out and had a stellar pro basketball career. He is a five-time NBA champion and a two-time NBA Finals MVP, among other accomplishments. His accolades continue, cementing his place among the greatest players of all time.