The Forgotten Story of LeBron James’ Football Career
LeBron James entered the NBA as the most hyped rookie of all time. And he hasn’t disappointed, claiming three titles and four MVP trophies (and counting on both fronts).
He dominated the varsity ranks for four years in high school, ultimately choosing hoops over his other love: football.
This is the forgotten story of LeBron James’ football career
LeBron James kicked off his varsity basketball career at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, by averaging 18 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.
1 steals per game as a freshman, according to Ballislife.com, leading the Fighting Irish to a 27-0 record and the Division III state title. By his sophomore season, the high school team had to play some home games at the University of Akron’s Rhodes Arena to accommodate the attention their star underclassman was drawing.
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James averaged 25.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.7 steals per game as a sophomore; his squad repeated as state champions, this time with a 26-1 record.
James was selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team and was named was named Ohio Mr. Basketball, both firsts for a high school sophomore.
By his junior year, James was already more famous than most NBA players, gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated. He was again named Ohio Mr. Basketball and selected to the USA Today All-USA First Team.
He was also the first junior to be named the boys’ basketball Gatorade National Player of the Year. James averaged 29 points, 8.
9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals per game, but for the only time in his high school career, St. Vincent-St. Mary didn’t win a state title, losing in the Division II state championship.
Following a failed petition for the NBA to allow him to forgo his senior season, James averaged 30.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 2.9 steals per game as a senior.
He repeated in every award previously mentioned here, and led his team to a victory in the Division II state championship.