Who Was the First High School Basketball Player to Pro?
High school basketball has been around for many years, and it has seen some of the greatest players the sport has ever known. But who was the first high school basketball player to turn pro? That honor goes to Moses Malone, a legendary center who was drafted out of high school in 1974.
Moses Malone’s Early Life
Moses Malone was born in Petersburg, Virginia, in 1955. He was the youngest of 11 children, and his family was very poor. Malone was a talented basketball player from an early age, and by the time he was 14, he was already 6’10”.
He enrolled at Petersburg High School in 1969, and he quickly became one of the top basketball players in the state. In 1971, he led the team to a state championship, and he was named Virginia’s Player of the Year.
Going Pro Out of High School
After high school, Malone was heavily recruited by college basketball programs, including Maryland, Duke, and Virginia. But he decided to forgo college and turn pro instead.
In 1974, Malone was drafted by the Utah Stars of the American Basketball Association (ABA). He was the first high school basketball player to be drafted by a professional team.
Rise to Stardom in the NBA
Malone’s professional career took off in 1976 when he was traded to the Buffalo Braves of the National Basketball Association (NBA). With the Braves, he quickly became one of the best players in the league.
In 1978, Malone was traded to the Houston Rockets, and he would remain with the team for the next five years. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 1979, and he led the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1981.
Moses Malone’s Legacy
Moses Malone was one of the best players in the NBA during the 1980s, and he was often referred to as “The Chairman of the Boards.” He finished his career with 27,409 points, 16,212 rebounds, and 1,329 blocks, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001.
Malone was also the first high school basketball player to turn pro, and his success inspired many players to follow in his footsteps. He paved the way for future high school stars such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Garnett.
The NBA Age Limit
In 2005, the NBA put in place an age limit of 19 years old for players who wanted to enter the league. The rule was put in place to prevent teams from drafting players who were too young and inexperienced to compete at the professional level.
This rule has been controversial, as it has prevented many talented high school players from entering the NBA. Some argue that the rule has limited the earning potential of young players, while others argue that it has helped players develop their skills and improve their draft stock.
Notable High School Players Who Went Pro
Since Moses Malone was drafted in 1974, there have been several high school players who have gone on to have successful professional careers. Here is a list of some of the most notable players:
- Kobe Bryant: Kobe Bryant was drafted out of Lower Merion High School in 1996. He went on to become one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning five championships and two NBA Finals MVP awards.
- LeBron James: LeBron James was drafted out of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in 2003. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time, and he has won four NBA championships and four MVP awards.
- Kevin Garnett: Kevin Garnett was drafted out of Farragut Academy in 1995. He was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, and he is the only player in NBA history to win the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and All-Star Game MVP awards in the same season.
- Tracy McGrady: Tracy McGrady was drafted out of Mount Zion Christian Academy in 1997. He was named to seven All-Star teams and won two scoring titles, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
- Dwight Howard: Dwight Howard was drafted out of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy in 2004. He has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and he is the only player in NBA history to win the award three times.
The Impact of High School Players Going Pro
The success of high school players who have gone pro has had a major impact on the NBA. It has changed the way teams approach the draft, and it has also changed the way players approach their development.
High school players are now more likely to focus on their development and prepare for the NBA draft. This has led to more talented and prepared players entering the league, which has made it more competitive and more exciting for fans.
The Debate Over High School Players Going Pro
The debate over high school players going pro is a polarizing one. Some argue that high school players should be given the opportunity to enter the NBA and make a living, while others argue that it sets a bad example and encourages players to skip college.
The debate is likely to continue for years to come, but one thing is certain: Moses Malone will always be remembered as the first high school basketball player to turn pro. He was a pioneer in the sport and an example of what is possible when you follow your dreams.
Conclusion
Moses Malone was the first high school basketball player to turn pro, and his success has inspired many others to follow in his footsteps. The NBA has since put in place an age limit to prevent players from entering the league too soon, but that hasn’t stopped several high school players from having successful professional careers. The debate over high school players going pro is likely to continue for years to come, but one thing is certain: Moses Malone will always be remembered as the first to do it.