Real Reason Kobe Bryant Skipped College

Kobe Bryant is one of the most fascinating athletes to ever live.

Because of that, over the years, a number of interesting stories have emerged over the years that provide a glimpse into his unique way of thinking.

This week, John Salley appeared on a podcast and revealed the real reason Bryant opted not to go to college.

“I said, ‘Why’d you not go to college?’ and he says, ‘I heard MJ was going to retire.’ And that was his reason for not going to college,” Salley said.

“I said, ‘What?’ and he goes. ‘Yeah he was going to retire and I wanted to make sure I played against him. I didn’t want to go to college and miss the opportunity of playing against MJ.’

“And I was like, ‘Okay kid, that’s a good reason for not having a higher Education.’ I wish I would have thought of that one,” Salley continued. “(Julius Erving) is retiring I can’t stay at Georgia Tech. But he was serious. He was like, ‘I wanted to play against him.’

“He felt he knew every single thing about him and he felt he had the same mentality,” Salley added. “And Kob did, man.”

Vikings Cheerleader’s Wild Photos Go Viral After Rams Loss https://t.co/oGezygeMt7

— Game 7 (@Game7__) October 25, 2024

Everything about Bryant was interesting. There’s a reason why his old interviews like the one where he revealed the toughest NBA players for him to guard still do massive views to this day.

He was just that kind of personality.

It seems like a new fun anecdote about Bryant comes out every month. What will the next one be? Time will tell.

Jennifer Withers Hoey

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about Sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.