Lebron James High School Feature

This March 2001 story on Lebron James of Akron St. Vincent St. Mary's High School contains some of the earliest known basketball highlights of the NBA superstar. The feature from Lebron's sophomore year includes interviews with then Akron head coach Keith Dambrot and travel coach Gregg Collins.
The story was written, produced and edited by Brad Forster when he was a sports anchor/reporter for WMFD television in Ohio. For more of Brad's work check out / bradforster

[@shaquillbranch9561]

LeBron's story is gonna be crazy when he retires. Absolute Legend. One of the greatest to ever play the game.

[@novelaego2404]

lol

[@JohnDoe-pk6fm]

It’s crazy just how long he’s been good

[@AD3Basketball]

NBA potential, what an understatement. He's arguably the best player to ever lace them up!

[@89fatal]

No.

[@Highminded12]

Ya

[@willv5671]

Key word arguably

[@willv5671]

Alex Douglas How is he?

[@bajancanadianrocks]

Alex Douglas jordan didnt have stars at first. Pippen was garbage jordan made him who he was. Jordan at 50 can destroy Lebron. Jordan is the best ever.

[@mikemar14]

S/O to those people who played against Lebron in high school. Great lifelong memories that they will share to their grandkids

[@geoffdaly8481]

I remember him from high school. I was in the same grade as him. While some like Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Chris Paul, and John Wall primarily succeeded in their junior and senior years of high school, Lebron was like Kobe, Garnett, Tim Thomas and Magic Johnson in high school, predicted very early on that he would be a superstar at all levels for decades to come. When he was a freshman by late January 2000 he was a top 10 freshman at number 10 (number 1 was actually a guy named Major Wingate and a few other guys, only 3 of which became mcdonald's all americans in 2003 and only 1 of which became a serious NBA player). By the time the fall of 2000 came around he was the number 1 sophomore in the nation and by the time April 2000 came around he was considered the NUMBER ONE PLAYER IN ALL of high school (that includes Lenny Cooke, Amare Stoudamire, Tyson Chandler, Dajuan Wagner, Eddy Curry, Kwame Brown, Carmelo Anthony and all other seniors, juniors, sophomores, and even the 3 highest freshmen, Telfair, Howard, and Darius Washington). By the time mid July 2001 came around and he beat the crap out of Lenny Cooke (who was considered the best junior to senior player and number 2 to Lebron) in the hyped matchup at the ABCD camp he was considered to be the not only the best high school player there was, but a guy who had the potential to be a combo of Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, which is pretty much exactly how he's turned out.

[@seanslawns]

I worked for the Orlando magic from 2004-2014, one of his classmates from SVSM began to work with me in 2006. We had an awesome playoff series vs the cavs in 09. He hit a ridiculously difficult game winning 3pt shot in game 2, with both Rashard Lewis and turkoglu trying to stop him from getting a good shot off. I think he averaged like 36, 9, and 8 those playoffs. I still can’t believe we won at home in game 6, Dwight had like 40 and 15 in that game and the cavs got blown out. Anyways, my friend grew up with LeBron and every time they saw eachother they would reminisce. You never fully understand how big these guys are until you stand next to them. I’m 6-2 205 and most of them made me feel tiny.

[@lamarjackson8104]

That’s unreal and unbelievable in 10th grade he was already one the best ever and his own coach who coached Akron university after Coaching lebron said that he was already better than 3 guys who he had seen play in the nba before 🐐

[@ilikepie023]

This guy is going to be a bust in the nba watch

[@CarlosFriera]

lmaoo

[@robertwomack8048]

What world are you living in?

[@ilikepie023]

A world where sarcasm exists

[@hawkin8tor]

hahahah

[@robmondo21]

Yeah just like that matey....you know.... Something Jordan.... another over hyped guy that did nothing

[@astraltheslayer25]

Lebron the best nba player today

[@TheQuincy16]

I wonder if this guy still has NBA potential. Lol

[@owenmocarski5115]

This was uploaded in 2010 when he was a sophomore, he should be playing college right now at least… can't find him on any ncaa rosters

[@gunnerstar76]

Dude are you stupid or what? The video was of LeBron as a sophomore in 2001 And he didn't go to college he skipped NCAA ball to go to the nba straight out of high school

[@TheDevilDog90]

This dude stupid af😂😂😂 @gunnerstar

[@owenmocarski5115]

Haha pretty sure theyre not allowed to skip college but ok. He still playing?

[@XxCaveman17xX]

gunnerstar76 Don't feed the troll

[@XxCaveman17xX]

Marcus Arrindell No you are. Don't feed the troll.

[@myleswalker9728]

man what ever happened to this kid

[@peanutbutterchocolatecake6182]

He injured his leg and never made it to the NBA. Bad luck :/

[@TheBoss-ey1li]

Joseph Reid lmfaooooo

[@crystalclearmedia3554]

oh for fuck sack

[@katrinachance]

Excellent video! You did an excellent job, Brad!!! Just hearing your voice on this turns back time to our own high school days.

[@gdmclean]

is there any footage of him when he was 14? Im trying to gauge at what age lebron would have to be before i could beat him in a 1 on 1. Im thinking if he was 10 i might have a chance.

[@_tyleake]

gdmclean yea but it’s really rare

[@DannyFrio]

I saw an AAU video of him at like 12 or 13 and he was already dunking

[@brightjohnson4058]

bruh, do u still have the video of that.

[@brightjohnson4058]

ChiefTy 7 do u know where the video is or have a link

[@_tyleake]

Bright Johnson that shit is owned by LeBron himself and people who recorded it the only snippets is on the movie More then a game that’s the closes footage we got of his freshman year

[@marcvslicinivscrassvs7536]

Two recent modern players (post 1990) stand out to me as being able to start on a NBA team after their sophomore years in HS: LeBron and Jason Kidd.

[@chastekjohn53]

NBA potential try NBA GOAT potential

[@elwin38]

Only 16 years old balling like this??? DAMN!! Seriously, Lebron could've went pro after his JUNIOR year and would've been ready for the NBA! Just sayin'.

[@essvee86]

He did try to join the NBA after his junior year, but they wouldn't let him.

[@elwin38]

I know. The NBA tried when he was 17 too and it didnt happen.

[@friendswitdadealer]

Try sophomore year.

[@jacobruiz6528]

Look at him now One of the best basketball players

[@reedg50]

Everyone go watch "More than a Game" it's this but an hour and a half long. Sooo good

[@jackdavis8701]

What happened to him? did he make it to the nba?

[@willv5671]

I wonder what that coach thinks now

[@NobbyKNobbs]

WOW. This kid looks good. I hope he makes it to the NBA.

[@luckycharm5757]

Looking forward to seeing this guy in the nba

[@imbrandonfarris]

I guess he's alright.. :P

[@shaquillbranch9561]

The most hyped prospect in the history of the game, who was set up to fail with all that unprecedented hype, has done this so far, with still several more years to go (as of 2019 since being drafted in 03' : 3x NBA Champion (8 straight appearances) 3x finals MVP 4x NBA MVP 15x all star 14x All NBA (12 first team selections) 6x All NBA defense Rookie of the year Socring champion 3x all star game MVP 3x AP athlete of the year NBA all time playoff scoring leader 4th all time in regular season scoring Only player in NBA history top 10 in points and assists 1st all time in VORP 1st all time in Box +/- Only player with 32k points, 8k rebounds, 8k assists (mightbe 40k,10k,10k when he retires)

[@ShindouShodan]

*15 all nba teams now 2 olympic gold medals

[@tntcrewEJ]

4x champ 4x fmvp

[@robertoconnor3050]

Lol he looked and sounded so much different back then

[@Crunchysopa52]

Robert OConnor Well of course, we all did when we were 15/16 yrs old.

[@dfjr1990]

He seemed more focused at that level. That just shows you what the national stage must be like. He was probably so struck at how he had been called King James at such an early age but how quickly they turn on you when you fail

[@AlexINNK7]

now hes the goat

[@modblogger1]

I played against him in high school. The whole team was afraid of looking silly against him so a lot of times they only half heartedly guarded him. He did have great skills but I think a portion was the hype surrounding him. If you keep hearing how good a guy is you will eventually think he is always playing above the rim.

[@taj7378]

His stats from his second year in the NBA were BETTER than his high school sophomore stats.

[@taj7378]

You felt the need to respond to a "useless statement". Who and what does that make you?

[@MyUselessChannel2]

he got drafted from high school, and he's been in the nba for nearly a decade

[@shaquillbranch9561]

Forget NBA potential. Nobody foreseen him becoming one of the top 2 or 3 players in basketball history. 3x Champ, 3x Finals MVPs, 4x Reg. Season MVP, 6x all NBA defense. most All NBA first teams ever, only player with 30k, 8k, 8k. As of now, The Legends pecking order is: 1.)MJ 2.)LeBron 3.)Kareem 4.)Magic 5.)Bird/Hakeem

[@jakesteppins]

Man killed my school 💀Go cougars I guess 🤷‍♂️😂😂

[@rolwade2437]

This dude will surely be in NBA someday!!

[@CrowsZero95]

it all makes sense now...he had a travel coach

[@Antbeast23]

what a great joke my friend

[@rajimartinez2113]

Hahaha! I wonder where all the LeBron haters are now. He just beat the best NBA team in history, at their house in Game 7 NBA finals! Chunk city lost. Lol

[@mattbrw08]

this guy went on to play in the NBA.. hes crazy

[@jacksononeal9681]

He's got MJ's number

[@montyeddings5118]

THE HELL HE DOESNT

[@BrooklynzBlazing718]

Damn this kid pretty good for a sophomore hes has a great future ahead of him hopefully he comes play for UCONN hes nba material

[@K1ng_killah13]

Guys He is in the NBA he didnt go to college so quit asking and saying that hes going to suck in college the dude is in the NBA this was like 5 or 6 years ago

[@davonberr4747]

bust

[@MOHSEN2080]

I hope he will play next years in NBA

[@MochaZeus]

Fact that Melo went to Oak Hill and had to guard him that game just look for the dude with the afro

[@MrDwinfrey29]

You realize that they say he's "not selfish" nothing but a good future heads his way

[@christiansoeby1]

A travel team coach? Oh, that explains a lot!

[@TheAow4321]

In all honesty thats a basis for debate and it is possible, well have to see how his career plays out though

[@quonmoses9918]

he is in the nba straight out of high school

[@jonathandelatorre1640]

sarcasm - A tongue of which the user speaks of something the complete opposite of what the user means. It often has the best comedic value.

[@KingCitaldo125]

This kid is amazing... Maybe he could be a future NBA superstar ???

[@MrCBosh1]

If only James stayed so Genuine

[@juniesrevenge]

Lebron ass looked like 50 Tyson in high school.

[@savagehits2303]

Dang. He wore 23.

[@YellowFlash5566]

hmmm i dont understand why people go to his videos, and just post hate comments >.< SMFH

[@jasonmatuska1639]

Best high school player of all time. Jason Matuska

[@LukeNintyFive]

2:59, lebron already had the groupies there :)

[@zaho342]

Lebron James in his senior year of high school would beat Michael Jordan in his Senior year in high school

[@opo1293]

Can't wait to see him in the league

[@jacobsirgiannis3077]

Never heard of this lebron James before???

[@ElectivireLVX]

imagine if you played on his team and then 12 years later hes the biggest guy in the nba

[@AmericanNinja85]

I dont think they were comparing it to Wiggins i think they are being sarcastic

[@gongxia649]

One of the best center ever played in the NBA

[@TheWaynelds]

"Could of" isn't a word, buddy.

[@MrWarriors192]

Coach Cal will have him in a Kentucky jersey no doubt

[@spj5823]

but i do wonder what nba team he wouldve ended up in if he went college

[@yofralmycepeda2652]

lol did i just read this right. hes been in the nba since he was 17 i think and now hes 27 i think. you watch this video without knowing anything about him?

[@BestlikeMike]

I hope he makes in to the league.

[@traiwitz2736]

Seth Kang same even tho he already made the league more than a decade ago and is a 4 time nba mvp and 2 time nba champion

[@414MILboy]

Safwat Khan sarcasm

[@traiwitz2736]

414MILboy it was kind of hard to tell bc the way he said it made him sound serious

[@ksif210]

+Safwat Khan or you're just an idiot

[@BestlikeMike]

ksif210 Thanks. some people just don' know how to take a joke.

[@elwin38]

I first heard about Lebron during his junior year in high school on our local sports radio(Memphis), ESPN, and other national sports radio networks. In the 2003 draft lottery, the Grizzlies were one pick short of getting Lebron. We were number 2 in the draft and had to give it to Detroit thanks to Stu Jackson screwing over the Grizzlies while they were in Vancouver. I still remember that fiaco, if we were able to keep our pick, we would have taken Dwayne Wade. That's the draft where Detroit(who took the Grizzlies' #2 pick) ended up drafting Darko Milicic.

[@AlphaDwg]

Lebron has played this way since he was a child so why do people always act shocked when he passes the ball?

[@DedlyMuffinMan]

WOW 6"6 as a sophomore? holy crap.

[@XxBBOT31xX]

He's already in the league have u ever heard of a television

[@Sacri23]

1:38 must be where lebron learnt to travel

[@deejayswagg607]

Do yall know how old this shit is he's in the NBA now one of the best after Kobe

[@lobelia2]

"poise is his biggest asset". not in the first 2 nba finals

[@ChadTower]

6' 6" and he was getting 7 rebounds a game? Were there only 7 misses per game?

[@mikeosuz]

thumbs up if you think lebron james shouldnt even be placed in the same category as KOBE

[@papalog08]

Now he's got one

[@friendswitdadealer]

Ok guys we get it. The "too bad he never made it" like comments are kinda played at this point. Cmom internet you can be more clever and witty than that.

[@lawreneph]

The funny thing is it seems like Lebron is more mature at 16 then he is now. Boy money and fame sure changes people. He needs to get back and find the kid in him again instead of trying to be the man all the time and I believe he will be just fine.

[@1227weaverb]

I'm gonna predict this guy is going to make the NBA one day

[@IIxPROxIl]

Are these people commenting for real or what? How could you not know lebrons in the Nba

[@TikBrah95]

he's in the nba now...

[@GoCards1983]

Beast...first heard about this guy around 2002...best HS player of all time if you ask me... Monta Ellis is up there too, peep his stats.

[@jasonmatuska1639]

Antoine L. You are correct. Best High School player of all time.

[@DingusTheGenius]

This kid is rocking LeBron's #23!!!!

[@notusabletil]

@mrbasketball06 Derek Fisher has 5 rings. Robert Horry has 7 rings. Ron Harper has 5 rings. Steve Kerr has 5 rings. Instant Hall of fame status.

[@DuhSkYGB]

These people talking about his college future......he didn't even go to college

[@Soggywaffe13]

He should take his talents down to South Beach.

[@EndoTelevision]

he's been doing that same dunk since high school lol

[@fudgyx]

lebron in his sophmore year is better then most prospects today in their senior year...smh

[@jerry85g]

Could probably be a good pro. Would have to come off the bench his first couple of season though.

[@jitlv]

A Legend in The Making

[@waylenwaddlefinsup9876]

This kid could make it to the NBA someday.

[@elegantilk]

@NobbyKNobbs LOL, he started in the NBA several years ago, 5-6 years

[@SuccessfullyBad]

actually he's #6 for the Miami Heat....

[@916jessiepooh]

YOU THOUGHT WRONG

[@TripleThreatSports]

hahahaha he goes "hes very unselfish." i bet that guy feels like an idiot.

[@bubbaboy575]

Keith Dambrot=best coach in University of Akron history

[@Ril014]

He has NBA potential

[@TheEIAproductions]

Its funny. Everybody in this video has the same amount of rings

[@yaoTmac4eva]

did that guy say Lebron is unselfish?!

[@Sol_Protege]

whoa he kinda looks like the kid from "everybody hates chris" lol

[@BYJR14]

he went south, but his mom rode west.

[@ANTBOND004]

now we know to blame Gregg Collins for each time LeBron travels.. anyone get it?

[@MrWalleyeDude]

So where is he going to college?