Kobe Bryant wasn’t your typical high school phenom. He was different, not just in the way he played, but in the way he carried himself. There was a quiet intensity about him, a look in his eyes that told you he was studying the game on a different level. By the time scouts started taking notice of him at Lower Merion High School, the whispers had already started—about how a kid from Philadelphia, raised in Italy, had somehow combined European fundamentals with American flash. He wasn’t just dominating; he was dissecting defenses like someone who had been in the league for years.
But the scouting report on Kobe was far from unanimous. At 17, he was raw and unpolished, his game still rough around the edges. Some saw the flashes of brilliance—his footwork, his range, the way he could get his shot off from anywhere. Others saw a teenager who was trying to do too much, too fast. There were concerns about his strength, his ability to adapt to the physicality of the NBA, and whether his maturity matched his ambition. Yet, for all the question marks, there was an undeniable feeling that Kobe Bryant wasn’t just another prospect. He was a puzzle the league hadn’t quite figured out yet—and that made him all the more intriguing.
I played against and watched Kobe Bryant at Lower Merion and in summerleagues so I might know a little.
Strengths – Kobe’s number one stregth is his maturity. He is a lot moremature than a lot of the college players and some NBA players as well.This is a huge asset because he isn’t going into this without thinkinglike some people might think. Extremely intelligent player and student.Sees the floor very well because of his height and is an excellentfinisher. Knows the game of basketball and what needs to be done to win(won the state championships without his point guard and top outsideshooter). Is a true leader who often dominated games with triple teamsmost of the time. Can hit from three with accuracy (good %). Fiercecompetitor with a lot of determination. Played all 5 positions in highschool so he can also work down low. Has perfected the turn aroundfall-away jumper (Jordan’s tradmark) A lot of people think he doesn’tlike to lift to bulk up but he’ll do whatever it takes to make it in theleague.
Weaknesses – True, he is 17 (close to 18) which is huge but as his dadsaid "he’s 17 going on 25". Has questionable ballhandling skills (to bea projected point guard). May not be ready for the rigors of the NBA lifeand does not have the body for it right now (although his father, ex-nbaplayer, will be with him most of the time). Does not have a trueposition. Played all 5 in high school and didn’t perfect any one of thefive. Is very good at all 5 but not great.I project him just as everyone else going no lower than 12 or so and Iwouldn’t be suprised if he goes much higher. Don’t everyone jump on meat once who read this but I read that the 76ers might be intersted inkeeping him home. He practiced with them in the summer and they lovedhim. Even said they would draft him when he came out.