Tim Thomas on Being #1 on Kobe’s “Kill List" in High School (Part 3)

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In a revealing interview, Tim Thomas reflected on his legendary rivalry with Kobe Bryant during their high school days. Rip Hamilton famously shared that Kobe kept a “kill list” of top opponents—Thomas was reportedly at the very top. Though they never faced each other much in high school due to geographic distance, Kobe’s intensity and focus on Thomas was unmistakable, with Kobe pacing and unable to sleep before their scheduled games.

Thomas recounted missing a key matchup due to playing baseball but acknowledged Kobe’s undeniable dominance. A three-time McDonald’s All-American and two-time New Jersey Player of the Year, Thomas also shared how his decision to attend college impacted NBA draft history. Had he declared for the draft alongside Kobe, he could have been the first high schooler selected, potentially altering Kobe’s career trajectory and team alignment—though Kobe’s greatness was inevitable regardless. This glimpse into their early competition underscores the fierce talent influencing the NBA’s golden era.