OAKLAND, CALIF. — Nerlens Noel's hair was a little taller. Steven Adams' hair was a lot shorter.
Even in grainy footage from 2012, the contrast was clear. Noel was repping Tilton (New Hampshire) in a dark black jersey with yellow letters and numbers, Adams fresh from New Zealand but playing for Notre Dame Prep (Massachusetts) in an unfamiliar No. 24. jersey, pristine white with black lettering.
Both were swimming in their baggy tops, teenagers not yet filled out or close to certain about what was ahead, or that they'd reunite as teammates seven years later.
Or that Noel would be learning from Adams as a pro.