LeBron James is a two time NBA champion and considered by many to be one of the best players in league history. His net worth is estimated at over three hundred million dollars. He has become an international brand and marketing machine. He is also one of the few NBA stars that went directly from high school to the pros.
LeBron burst onto the sports scene in his hometown of Akron, Ohio playing for St. Vincent St. Mary high school. He was an instant star, garnering nation wide attention for his transcendent performances on the court. National media descended upon Akron in the hopes of seeing the best player since Michael Jordan.
“Going to high school with LeBron was life changing. Now everyone knows, if you know anything about sports or basketball, Akron is the home of LeBron James,” said Eddie Mcshaffrey.
Eddie attended St. Vincent St. Mary from 2002 to 2006 and got to experience the rise of LeBron first hand. While in high school LeBron racked up some impressive stats.
In his senior year LeBron won All-Ohio division II first team, Mr. Basketball in Ohio and the state tournament MVP. After graduation he was the first pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mike Jeanmaire also attended St. Vincent St. Mary with Eddie and got to witness the greatness of LeBron.
“Going to high school with a celebrity like LeBron was insane. Everyone always wanted his autograph. Kids even tried to steal his shoes or his jerseys because they knew they could sell them,” said Jeanmaire.
As a testement to LeBron’s growing celebrity, Eddie Mcshaffrey admits that part of the reason he chose to go to school at St. Vincent St. Mary was because of the chance to witness history. High school players are rarely drafted to the NBA and there may never be another as great as LeBron. Eddie considers himself lucky, not many can say that they went to high school with LeBron James.