Why Number 8?
Published May 24, 2006
Kobe Bryant’s famous number 8 jersey has long been one of the NBA’s top selling jerseys over the years, but Bryant has not always worn the number.
“In high school I started out with number 24. Then I went to number 33 later on. 33 was the number my father wore in high school, so I just switched it to carry on the lineage.”
When Kobe Bryant jumped from Lower Merion High School to the professional ranks joining the Los Angeles Lakers, Bryant did not even have the opportunity to select number 33. That number was already previously retired after being worn by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Kobe chose the number 8 because his uniform number as a high schooler at the ADIDAS ABCD Camp was 143 (1+4+3=8), but the number switch was easy. “I wore the number 8 when I was a kid playing in the Italian leagues, so it was a smooth transition from number 33.
NBA Future:
Ronald Steele
Ronald Steele is an American basketball player for the University of Alabama. He raised his NBA draft profile a lot during his sophomore year. He decided to return for his junior year, and will likely be a first round draft pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. He is capable from scoring inside, from the perimeter, and grabbing rebounds, proving his versatility. He attended John Caroll High School, and led the school to an undefeated 36-0 record in his junior season.
In August 2006, Steele attended a basketball camp ran by legendary basketball player Michael Jordan. After giving him tips and "a lot of compliments," Jordan invited Steele to play in a two-on-two pickup game.
Ronald Steele
Position: G
Class: Junior
Ht: 6-3 Wt: 185
College: Alabama
Hometown: Birmingham
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