

The team had ended the previous season in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. The Cleveland Cavaliers signed the powerful young forward, and he proved to be a valuable addition to the then-struggling franchise. With his impressive record, it was no surprise that James was the first player picked in the 2003 NBA Draft straight out of high school. James would soon emerge as one of the National Basketball Association's leading players. Mary High School team also earned the top national ranking that year. He averaged 31.6 points per game, helping his team clinch their third state title. Following the end of his junior year, James was such a strong player that he contemplated going pro.ĭeciding to finish his education, James had a tremendous senior year on the court. The following school year, James was named PARADE magazine's High School Boys Basketball Player of the Year and Gatorade Player of the Year. His team also won the Division III state title for the second year in a row. He was the first sophomore ever selected for this award. Word of his advanced basketball skills spread, and James received several honors for his performance.Īs a high school sophomore, James was chosen for the USA Today All-USA First Team. He helped the team to a Division III state title by scoring 25 points in the championship game. Overall, James scored 2,657 points, 892 rebounds and 523 assists during his four years there.Īs a freshman, James averaged 18 points per game. Mary High School to join their basketball team in 1999. At an early age, James showed a natural talent for basketball. James was born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio. Early Life and High School Basketball Career After leading the Miami Heat to titles in 20, James returned to Cleveland and helped the franchise claim its first championship in 2016. With his unique combination of size, athleticism and court vision, he became a four-time NBA MVP. James first garnered national attention as the top high school basketball player in the country. LeBron James is an American basketball player with the Los Angeles Lakers.
