Sunday, July 1, 2012

Redemption: The LeBron James Story (Nine Years in the Making of a Champion)


Early Years at St. Vincent High School

            LeBron James started his career at St. Vincent High School in Akron, Ohio back then he was dominating the High School basketball circuit. He created a road to make it in the NBA at an early age with his ability to be best High School player in the country. According to www.espn.com, “LeBron James attended St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.” When LeBron James was a freshman, he averaged 18 points and 6 rebounds per game; he also led his team to a 27-0 record and a Division III state title. In addition, the article from www.espn.com, mentions “James became the first sophomore player ever chosen to the USA Today All USA First Team after averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Lastly, he won his second straight Division III state title.




Drafted to NBA out of High School

       LeBron James was selected in the first round as the 1st pick overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by Cleveland Cavaliers. When LeBron was drafted at same time as his best friend and became new teammate Dwayne Wade in the future. But the most opportunity was being able to stay in his home state of Ohio. According hoop media article, during LeBron Rookie season he was named the “Rookie of the Year.” He joined likes of Michael Jordan and Oscar Robinson by being the youngest to ever receive this award. 




The Decision

The decision for LeBron James was one of most televised non-sporting event in 2010 on ESPN Network with over 9.95 million viewers being ranked 3rd among all programs in 2010 on ESPN. This opportunity was made clear LeBron James decided to leave his hometown team Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron James indicted “ I have decided to take my talents to south beach and join the Miami Heat.” After this announcement the room was very quiet with couple of grunts. When LeBron James decided to leave Cleveland and play for the Miami Heat. The critics and entire city of Cleveland, fans, sports analyst, and owner of Cleveland Cavaliers really became angry. During this time Cavs fans burned James jersey and the big billboard of James in downtown Cleveland immediately was torn down. The owner of Cleveland Cavaliers publicly talked about LeBron James. He stated live on ESPN “ You simply don’t deserve this kind of cowardly betrayal.” He also finally mentioned “Cleveland will win a Championship before Miami Heat and LeBron James and you can take that to the bank.” But most famous critic is Skip Bayless of critically acclaimed ESPN First Take Show. The First Take most popular topic has been about LeBron James not being great or the Chosen One until he gets a championship. Skip Bayless is relentless about the downfalls or mistakes LeBron James makes in the final key moments of a basketball game. Therefore, tried to prove his doubters wrong in the 2010-2011 finals against the Dallas Mavericks.







The Finals 2011-2012

LeBron James indicated during last year finals "he played like a villain and mad at people who constantly talked negative about him." In June 12, 2012 when the finals started in Oklahoma City, OK. The energy felt at Chesapeake Energy Arena sports fan knew this would be sporting event to remember in the east Miami Heat versus the west Oklahoma City Thunder. Well the excitement definitely didn’t come short making a good series by the Miami Heat. After Game 1 loss to OKC, Miami just dominated the rest of the games left. Miami Heat and LeBron James won 4 straight games beating the Thunder in five games out of best seven series. On June 21, 2012 this is best day of the young LeBron James life but more importantly it was a sweet redemption to seize the moment and put to rest all the haters. After the game LeBron James first words were “It’s about damn time.” Well could you blame him it took 9 years, a new team, and lost in the finals previous year? Lastly, this great road of redemption lets all humans know that our dreams can be far away but with great will suddenly become so close. Congratulations to the 2012 NBA Champions Miami Heat and Finals MVP LeBron James.  







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