Durham Mount Zion senior Tracy McGrady poses in front of trophies at Mount Zion, in Durham, N.C., May 9, 1997. McGrady has never played a college game, but the 18-year-old basketball star is making a $12 million leap into the big leagues. The money is coming, not from an NBA team, but from Adidas. AP Photo/Bob Jordan

NBA hopeful signs $12 million deal with Adidas

Web posted June 20, 1997

Associated Press

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) - Remember two words, kid: shoe endorsement.

Tracy McGrady, an 18-year-old basketball star, hasn't taken a jump shot in a college or pro game, yet he's leaping into a deal with Adidas worth up to $12 million. It's the biggest endorsement contract ever for a high school player.

``Man, this is happening too fast,'' McGrady said.

He follows in the footsteps of Kobe Bryant, a Philadelphia-area phenom who signed a seven-figure endorsement contract with the same company even before the Charlotte Hornets drafted him and traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers.

McGrady, a 6-foot-8 graduate of Mount Zion Academy in Durham, is expected to be among the first 15 players selected in the National Basketball Association draft next week.

McGrady has worked out for 10 teams, including the Indiana Pacers this week.

Sonny Vaccaro, a director of sports marketing with Adidas, said the six-year deal is worth up to $2 million per year, depending on his performance and the team's.

McGrady is also obligated to do TV commercials, print ads and store promotions for Adidas.