On Campus
Prep to Pros
By Drew Walters

Moses Malone (1974-95)

Malone signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Maryland out of high school, but changed his mind when the Utah Stars drafted him in the third round of the '74 ABA draft. Malone's career spanned two decades where he racked up three NBA MVP awards, four All-NBA First Team selections, an NBA championship with the 1983 Sixers and a spot in the NBA Hall of Fame.

Darryl Dawkins (1975-1989)

Drafted fifth overall in 1975 by the Sixers, Dawkins-who became known as "Chocolate Thunder" for his backboard-shattering dunks-has his best season in 1983-84 when he scored 16.8 points and grabbed 6.7 rebounds for the Nets.

Kevin Garnett (1995-present)

Garnett became the first high school player to be drafted in 20 years, going fifth overall to the Timberwolves. Garnett has racked up 12 NBA All-star selections, an MVP award (2004) and an NBA Championship with the Celtics last season.

Kobe Bryant (1996-present)

The Charlotte Hornets drafted Bryant 13th overall in 1996 and traded him to the Lakers for Vlade Divac. Bryant teamed up with Shaquille O'Neal to win three consecutive NBA Titles for L.A. and has cemented his status as one of the best guards to ever play the game.

LeBron James (2003-present)

"King" James came out of high school as one of the most-hyped athletes of all time. Selected first overall in 2003 by the Cavaliers, the reigning league MVP led his team to the NBA Finals against the Spurs in 06-07 at the age of 22. James is not only arguably the most talented basketball player in the NBA, but also a pop culture icon.

Dwight Howard (2004-present)

Howard, nicknamed "Superman," became the last high school player to be drafted first overall when the Magic picked him in 2004. He has become known for his powerful dunks and his defense in the paint - which won him the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Other notables: Jermaine O'Neal, Tracy McGrady, Rashard Lewis, Darius Miles, Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, Amar'e Stoudemire and Andrew Bynum.