by Brandon Richard
Perhaps more important than championships and personal achievements of athletes are the bonds they form along the way. For most NBA players, the path to becoming a pro begins in high school, where they audition for the next level while still living a relatively "normal" life.
Over the years, it's been clear that the biggest stars in the league hold their high schools close to their hearts. In fact, Nike recently released Kyrie Irving's first high school-inspired signature sneaker, and Jordan Brand unveiled a refurbished gymnasium at Michael Jordan's alma mater.
Almost every signature athlete eventually gives a sneaker salute their old high school. Read on for a look at the best.
Michael Jordan for Laney High School
1.
2.
Air Jordan 1
3.
Air Jordan 5 Retro
4.
Air Jordan 14 Low
5.
Air Jordan 2010 Team
6.
Air Jordan 2010 Outdoor
LeBron James for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School
8.
9.
Nike Air Zoom Generation
10.
Nike LeBron 2 PE
11.
Nike LeBron 2 PE
12.
Nike LeBron 3 PE
13.
Nike LeBron 3 PE
14.
Nike LeBron 4
15.
Nike LeBron 4
16.
Nike LeBron 5 PE
17.
Nike LeBron 5
18.
Nike LeBron 6 PE
19.
Nike LeBron 6 PE
20.
Nike LeBron 7 PE
21.
Nike LeBron 7 PE
22.
Nike LeBron 8 PE
23.
Nike LeBron 8 PE
24.
Nike LeBron 8 V/2
25.
Nike LeBron 9 PE
26.
Nike LeBron 9 PE
27.
Nike LeBron 11 PE
28.
Nike LeBron 11 PE
29.
Nike LeBron 12 PE
30.
Nike LeBron 12 PE
31.
Nike LeBron Soldier 1 PE
32.
Nike LeBron Soldier 1 PE
33.
Nike LeBron Soldier 2 PE
34.
Nike LeBron Soldier 2 PE
35.
Nike LeBron Soldier 3 PE
36.
Nike LeBron Soldier 3 PE
37.
Nike LeBron Soldier 4 PE
38.
Nike LeBron Soldier 4 PE
39.
Nike LeBron Soldier 4 PE
40.
Nike LeBron Soldier 5 PE
41.
Nike LeBron Soldier 5 PE
42.
Nike Zoom Soldier 6 PE
43.
Nike Zoom Soldier 6 PE
44.
Nike LeBron Soldier 8
45.
Nike LeBron Soldier 8
Kobe Bryant for Lower Merion High School
47.
48.
Nike Kobe 3
49.
Nike Kobe 4
50.
Nike Kobe 4
51.
Nike Kobe 5
52.
Nike Kobe 5
53.
Nike Kobe 6
54.
Nike Kobe 7
Penny Hardaway for Treadwell High School
56.
57.
Nike Air Penny 5
Kevin Durant for Montrose Christian Academy
59.
60.
Nike KD 1 PE
Kyrie Irving for St. Patrick High School
62.
63.
Nike Kyrie 1
Carmelo Anthony for Oak Hill Academy
65.
66.
Jordan Melo M4
67.
Jordan Melo M6
68.
Jordan Melo M8 PE
69.
Jordan Melo M8 PE
Chris Paul for West Forsyth High School
71.
72.
Jordan CP3.V PE
73.
Jordan CP3.VI PE
Allen Iverson for Bethel High School
75.
76.
Reebok Answer 7
John Wall for Word of God Christian Academy
78.
79.
Reebok Zig Encore
Derrick Rose for Simeon Career Academy
81.
82.
adidas D Rose 2
83.
adidas D Rose 2.5
84.
adidas D Rose 4
85.
adidas D Rose 773
Tracy McGrady for Mount Zion Christian Academy
87.
88.
adidas TMAC 1
Robert Griffin III for Copperas Cove
90.
91.
adidas RG3 Energy Boost
92.
adidas RG3 Cleats
Brandon Jennings for Oak Hill Academy
94.
95.
Under Armour Micro G Black Ice Low
96.
Under Armour Micro G Bloodline PE