The GED, or General Educational Development Test, is an exam that consists of several subjects, and passing it proves that the test-taker has shown high school-level knowledge, making a GED certificate equivalent to a traditional high school diploma. Many young stars, be they athletes, actors, or singers, take the GED since their professional undertakings make it impossible for them to follow their studies. NBA players are no exception.
Some of the most famous NBA players with GEDs include Kobe Bryant, Amar’e Stoudemire, LeBron James, and Allen Iverson. These athletes couldn’t follow their high school studies the traditional way due to their professional commitments, yet they still got their GEDs.
To learn more about how these NBA stars went about getting their GEDs and how their education affected their professional lives, be sure to read on. Considering the success they were able to achieve later on in life, we can all learn something from the path they chose in life.
1. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, or “Black Mamba,” as fans nicknamed him, was (and still is) one of the biggest names in basketball. The star started his academic journey at Lower Merion High School; however, he had to pause his studies in favor of his promising career, so he left school in 1996.
That was the year he was drafted to play in the NBA, and since he considered this the opportunity of a lifetime, he decided to forgo his studies.
Though this was a risky move at the time (and even drew a great deal of criticism), his decision ultimately paid off, and Kobe even went on to get his GED later on.
2. Amar’e Stoudemire
Amar’e Stoudemire is another NBA star that left high school early to focus on his career. However, after establishing his name in the league, Amar’e passed and received his GED, meaning that the athlete currently holds the equivalent of a high school diploma.
Though considering his stellar career, I doubt he’ll ever find a use for his hard-earned achievement.
3. LeBron James
Some of basketball’s biggest names are proud GED holders, and LeBron James is no exception. The athlete left his studies at St. Vincent-St. Mary high school in 2002 when he was drafted into the NBA.
However, just like all other stars mentioned on this list, he later went on to get his GED.
One interesting fact to note is that James’ athletic skills weren’t limited to basketball. In high school, he also played football and was pretty popular among his peers for his athleticism.
However, as luck would have it, he turned out to be one of the world’s best basketball players.
Having never taken a college class himself, LeBron criticized the NCAA for requiring student-athletes to have a college degree. It’s a requirement the association later revoked.
4. Allen Iverson
Last but not least, Allen Iverson makes our list of the most famous NBA players with GEDs.
Like his peers, he left high school before he could graduate to pursue his rising career. However, the athlete did take and pass his GED, so the knowledge he got during his studies was finally certified.