If you haven't heard of Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler or Eddy Currie, it won't be long before you do. Four months ago, they were getting ready for their high school prom - they're now getting ready to take on the NBA.
NBA Commissioner, David Stern, says he doesn't like players going from high school to the NBA. But don't tell that to Kwame, Tyson or Eddie - they're all making millions.
Kwame Brown
Kwame is the first player to be drafted first overall right out of high school. He was picked by Michael Jordan, who was then the general manager of the Washington Wizards. Michael and Kwame will now be teammates on the Wizards and you can bet they'll be making some magic. Even though Kwame is 6'll", he has the ball handling skills of a point guard - so he should become a great all around player. Kwame thought about going to the University of Florida but decided to skip college so he could help out his mom financially. "If you're 17 or 18 years old, you can go to jail, you can go to the military, you can fight and die for your country. Why not go play basketball for money?" says Kwame.
Eddy Curry
Eddy went to high school in South Holland, Illinois and was picked fourth overall by the Chicago Bulls. He's 6'll" and has been given the nickname "Baby Shaq" because his size and style of play is so similar to Shaquille O'Neal's. Basketball was actually Eddy's second sport and he didn't pick up the game until he was a teenager. He started out as a gymnast but after growing to over six and a half feet, Eddy decided to trade in his girly-tights for a pair of shorts and sneakers. It was a wise decision because he's a great basketball player and male gymnasts don't make millions of dollars.
Tyson Chandler
Tyson is from Compton, California and was thrilled when he was picked 2nd overall by his hometown LA Clippers. But the thrill didn't last long because within hours of drafting Tyson, the Clippers traded him to the Bulls. Tyson was shocked at first but the 7'0 center/forward is now looking forward to teaming up with fellow highschool draft pick, Eddy Curry. Tyson's favorite player is Kevin Garnett (who was also picked right out of high school) and he plays with a similar style. Tyson is a big guy but he can run the floor and has a sweet outside jump shot. For more on Tyson, check out his official site.
Should basketball players be skipping college and going straight to the NBA? Is an education that important when you can make a million bucks shooting hoops? what you think.
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