Internet and Sports Stardom

Imagine a world where the phenom that became Kobe Bryant was already a household name even before the NBA Draft. Well, Kobe isn't the player but we are living that world here and now. The introduction of sites like HoopMixtape, Ballislife, and other basketball highlight sites have kids as young as 12 making a name for themselves on social media and the internet. In the 80s and 90s, you started to see some broadcasts of high school basketball like the McDonald's All-American Game, which gives a glimpse of who the future stars could be but there still wasn't a lot of publicity around players unless they were a top college player. Nowadays players like Zion Williamson already had thousands of followers and social media views from his high-flying dunks and blocks that he did in high school as a sophomore. The culture around basketball and basketball recruiting has changed drastically in the modern era. No longer are players first mentioned in national sports coverage as "the top pick in the draft" out of college, rather players that make lists like the ESPN 100 list are getting recognition on a national scale before they can even drive. I don't think there's anything wrong with this, but it is fascinating to experience. Even when I was in high school, there were kids younger than me making more of a name for themselves then I will in possibly my whole life. Social media can make anyone a star instantly, so gone are the days of dreaming of NBA stardom and glory, because the next big thing is being a high school phenom.