Hailing from Silver City, Mississippi, Spencer Haywood probably has the most unique entry story into the realm of professional basketball than anyone else on this list. After moving to Detroit in 1964, Haywood led his high school basketball team to the state championship game and won in 1967. Later, he found himself averaging an insane 28.2 points and 22.1 rebounds per game while attending a community college. He was contacted to join the Men's US National Basketball Team for the 1968 Summer Olympics where he would go on to lead the team in scoring averaging 16.1 points per game and setting a United States field goal percentage record of 71%.
Following the Olympics, Haywood transferred to the University of Detroit where he revealed that he would go pro following his sophomore year of college. The NBA denied Haywood's request to enter the NBA Draft due to the rules stating that he would enter with his graduating class. Haywood being the forward-thinking young man that he was, he joined the ABA and won Most Valuable Player before being drafted to the Seattle Sonics in 1970. Haywood would go on to become an NBA Champion with 1980 Los Angeles Lakers and 4x NBA All-Star. Way to work the system, Spencer.
Whether celebrities are looking to be in the spotlight or escape the paparazzi, there are some popular vacation destinations that always seem to be frequented by the stars. Celeb spotting is a favorite pastime of many travelers, and you might be able to snag a photo or even an autograph when you visit these top celebrity vacation spots around the world. Although the price tags may be a bit higher in these destinations than your average budget getaway, these are some of the best celebrity vacation spots that you can start saving up to visit and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
One of the classiest celebrity vacation spots in Europe is Mallorca, Spain. It’s known as a spot to be posh more than a spot to party. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones have a house here, and it’s been a favorite getaway for Gwenyth Paltrow. Some of the local favorites that boast the most celebrity sightings include the Wellies Restaurant and Bar, Puerto Portals, and Es Trenc Beach.
Saint Tropez is known for its amazing beaches and blissful landscapes. Celebrity couples like Beyoncé and Jay Z and David and Victoria Beckham have been spotted vacationing along these famous beaches. The Cote d’Azur seaport is a big draw for celebs here, as well as top beach clubs like Club 55.
Perhaps the most well-known celebrity that loves Lake Como is George Clooney. He has a villa with over a dozen rooms here so he can bring all his friends along to relax, get away, and party. Villa d’Este is another popular place celebrities choose to stay because of its attention to privacy. Just ask Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bette Midler, or Sylvester Stallone!
Sure, there are plenty of celebrities that call Sydney home year-around, but there are lots of others who like to visit for a surfing and sailing getaway. Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been a top vacation pick for Leonardo DiCaprio and Hugh Jackman, and some A-list accommodations are the InterContinental Hotel and the Park Hyatt in the Rocks.