What if the one-and-done rule had always existed? This hypothetical scenario raises intriguing questions about the trajectories of some of basketball’s greatest talents, including legends like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Nearly 20 years ago, a pivotal change in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement barred high school seniors from entering the NBA Draft. The stipulation required players to be at least 19 years old and one year removed from high school graduation to be eligible for the draft.
In today’s game, “one-and-done” has become a familiar term, describing players who spend a single season in college before making the leap to the NBA. This list of one-and-done stars features names like Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson, as well as Duke’s rising star, Cooper Flagg, who is expected to follow a similar path.
But how would the landscape of college basketball have shifted if high school players were never allowed to join the NBA directly? Our research team at FOX Sports examined the potential college destinations of elite high school players who chose to go pro instead of attending college.
(Disclaimer: This analysis is based on credible sources regarding each player’s college considerations prior to their NBA decisions. The list excludes those who opted for European leagues or the G-League and does not include international players. The rankings from 10 to 1 reflect their respective NBA careers).
10. Tyson Chandler: UCLA
Tyson Chandler emerged as a high school sensation at Dominguez High School in Compton, California, a school celebrated for producing numerous NBA talents. He earned accolades such as Parade All-American and a spot in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game during his senior year. A lifelong UCLA fan, Chandler often reminisced about his time with former Bruins like Baron Davis and Earl Watson. Although he considered schools like Arizona, Syracuse, Memphis, Kentucky, and Michigan, he ultimately opted for the 2001 NBA Draft, where he was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Clippers before being traded to the Chicago Bulls.
Jermaine O’Neal, hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, would have likely chosen the Gamecocks had he attended college. After a stellar senior year at Eau Claire High School, where he was named a McDonald’s All-American, O’Neal decided to enter the NBA Draft instead. In a recent conversation with recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw, O’Neal’s son revealed that his father was close to committing to South Carolina before opting for the professional route. He ultimately became the 17th overall pick in the 1996 NBA Draft, selected by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Shawn Kemp, who rose to prominence at Concord High School in Elkhart, Indiana, made waves as one of the top players in the state during the 1980s. Despite his local success, he chose to commit to Kentucky. After enrolling at UK in 1988, Kemp faced academic challenges that led to a year-long sit-out. During that time, he encountered trouble for pawning teammate’s jewelry. Following a brief stint at community college, Kemp declared for the 1989 NBA Draft, where he was selected as the 17th pick by the Seattle SuperSonics, embarking on a successful 14-year career that included six All-Star selections.
7. Amar’e Stoudemire: Memphis
Amar’e Stoudemire was a late starter in basketball, not picking up the game until the age of 14. After attending five different high schools, he finally found his footing at Cypress Creek High School in Orlando, Florida, where he had an impressive senior year, earning McDonald’s All-American honors. Initially committed to play for John Calipari at Memphis, Stoudemire later reversed his decision and entered the NBA Draft, where he was selected ninth overall by the Phoenix Suns. His NBA journey spanned 14 years, during which he was named Rookie of the Year and became a six-time All-Star.
6. Tracy McGrady: Kentucky
Tracy McGrady’s basketball journey began in Florida, where he played at Auburndale High School before transferring to Mount Zion Christian Academy in North Carolina for his final year. His talent shone brightly, earning him accolades like McDonald’s All-American and USA Today High School Player of the Year. McGrady considered Kentucky, a powerhouse coming off a national championship, but a lucrative shoe deal from Adidas led him to the NBA instead. Despite this, he still holds a fondness for Kentucky, referring to it as his “adopted school.”
4. Moses Malone: Maryland
Moses Malone was a pioneer for high school players entering the professional ranks. After winning two state championships at Petersburg High School in Virginia, he signed with the University of Maryland, coached by Lefty Driesell. However, after being selected by the Utah Stars in the ABA Draft, Malone chose to skip college, making history as the first player to jump straight from high school to the professional leagues. His career spanned from 1974 to 1995, during which he earned three MVP awards and was a 12-time All-Star, culminating in an NBA championship with the Philadelphia 76ers in 1983.
3. Kevin Garnett: Maryland
The discussion surrounding Kevin Garnett’s potential college choice remains a hot topic even decades after he left Farragut Academy in Chicago for the NBA. Some speculate he would have played for Michigan, while others believe he was destined for Maryland under Gary Williams. In an interview during his rookie season, Garnett stated, “Everyone had me going to Michigan for a long time. If I had gone to college, it was going to be Maryland. I was going to shock ’em all.” Ultimately, Garnett entered the NBA Draft, becoming the first player to do so in 20 years and enjoying a 21-year career that included 15 All-Star selections and an MVP award in 2004.
2. Kobe Bryant: Duke
