As you know I went to The Ohio State University, I was in my senior year when LeBron was still in high school. It also happened to be the last time I was in Cleveland. I had friends who went to OSU who were both from Cleveland and Akron, so I traveled down there often.
That is when I first heard about a kid named “LeBron”.
My first thought was what type of name is LeBron? For a brief period the most popular high school athlete in the state of Ohio was Maurice Clarett (his career turned out a little differently). Clarett was the chosen one that was going to be next in a long line of great OSU running backs and lead OSU to a National Title (which he did).
Before we get back to LeBron, I have to mention on that National Championship game against Miami. The play that really changed the game wasn’t the Pass Interference, but Clarett stripping Sean Taylor (RIP) after an End Zone INT. If Miami keeps that possession and scores, the game would have been over.
Now, that we got that out-of-the-way back to LeBron. My friends kept hyping him up and this was BEFORE he was on the cover of SI and everyone knew who he was. So, one night we decided to go watch him play. I don’t remember anything specific about the night. I don’t remember who they played or even when it exactly was, but what I do remember one thing VIVIDLY.
I remember elbowing my friend and saying.
“This kid might average a triple-double in the NBA.”
Many people have no idea how good of a passer LeBron was (still is, even if he doesn’t need to show it as much). He was a GREAT passer, that I thought he would play poing guard in NBA. Back then he was probably around 6’5″ and wiry, but had uncanny passing ability. It was like he was seeing the floor like NEO in the Matrix. He didn’t even like to score in my opinion, he seem to take more pleasure setting his teammates up.
That was the second thing I noticed, his teammates loved him. It was so natural, he was essentially the boss that takes you to happy hour. His game was FULL SERVICE, the jumper and handles were a little shaky, but he was a 5-t00l-player. Back then I didn’t see any JORDAN in his game, it was more like giving Magic Johnson Dominique Wilkins type athleticism.
When we left the game my buddies asked me what I thought. The 23-year-old me, was not much different from the way I am now, so I was still leery. I said there were a lot of talented players who flame out (just scroll up to Maurice Clarett).
Soon after everyone knew the name LeBron James. I went to a few more games after that but they were more like going to the club than basketball games. The Superstar status didn’t seem to affect LeBron or his relationship with his teammates. He dealt with a lot in that final year in high school (I was gone by then), the hummer, the suspension & the pressure of being the NEXT Michael Jordan.
I didn’t know how he would react or what type of pro he would be. You just never know if the pressure ends up being too much for these guys.
But, I’ll never forget that night when I thought this kid could really average a triple double in the NBA. If LeBron was drafted by another team maybe he would have, but the Cavs initially needed him to be more Jordan than Magic so that is what he did.
Now 12 years later, I will be covering the NBA Finals and headed back to Cleveland. This will be LeBron’s 6th NBA Finals (2 rings). It doesn’t seem like that long since I was watching this kid (and hell I was a kid myself) throw full court bounce passes on the fastbreak.
LeBron came home and this is a little nostalgic for me as well because Ohio will always be my 2nd home. Maybe I will take the 2-hour ride up to Columbus between games see if I can run into some of my old professors.
I am sure all of LeBron’s High School friends (many who work for him now) will be there, it will seem like old times, just we are a bit older, wiser & our hairlines are holding on for dear life.
Should be fun.
Oh my prediction……..
Warriors in 5