Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant relived his high school glory days earlier this week when
Lower Merion (Ardmore, Pa.) dedicated its gymnasium in his name.
Bryant, who donated $411,000 to the Lower Merion School District, led his team to a 31-3 record and the Class 4A state title in 1996 while earning National Player of the Year honors from USA Today. He scored a school-record 1,047 points for a 30.7 average, twice exploding for 50 points in a single game. He also averaged 12 rebounds, six assists, four steals and four blocks.
He told USA Today that his most treasured possession was his basketball.
Bryant was accompanied by six teammates from the Lakers and seven of his former high school teammates also were among the crowd estimated at 4,000. Tickets ranged from $10 to $250 with proceeds going to the school district's educational foundation.
Among those paying tribute to Bryant was Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins.
Bryant, who spoke for approximately five minutes, noted his love for his alma mater when he revealed that he still wears his Lower Merion shorts under his Lakers shorts on game days.
