The Chosen One: 7 Shocking Facts About Young LeBron James' High School Life And The Fab Five

Few athletes have ever carried the weight of expectation that LeBron Raymone James did as a teenager. Known simply as “The Kid From Akron,” his high school career was not just a basketball story, but a cultural phenomenon that redefined amateur sports and set the blueprint for the modern athlete. As of today, December 18, 2025, the legend of young LeBron James continues to be studied, offering a fascinating look at the crucible that forged a King.

This deep dive explores the most compelling and often-overlooked details from his formative years at St. Vincent-St. Mary (STVM) High School, including the controversies, his "Fab Five" teammates, and the moment he became "The Chosen One" before he even turned 18.

LeBron James: The Early Life and Biographical Profile

LeBron James's journey began with significant challenges, a reality often overshadowed by his eventual fame. His biography is a testament to the resilience of his mother, Gloria James, who raised him as a single parent in Akron, Ohio.

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• Full Name: LeBron Raymone James
• Born: December 30, 1984
• Birthplace: Akron, Ohio, U.S.
• Mother: Gloria Marie James (gave birth at age 16)
• Father: Anthony McClelland (absent throughout his childhood)
• High School: St. Vincent-St. Mary (STVM) High School, Akron, Ohio (1999–2003)
• High School Nickname: "King James"
• High School Career Totals: 2,667 points, 892 rebounds, 523 assists
• High School Championships: 3 Ohio State Championships (Division III & II), 1 National High School Championship
• Professional Debut: 2003 NBA Draft (1st overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers)
• Key Childhood Friends/Business Partners: Maverick Carter, Rich Paul, Randy Mims

The Infamous Controversies That Rocked His Senior Year

By his senior year in 2003, LeBron James was already a household name, and the spotlight brought intense scrutiny. His amateur status was challenged not once, but twice, by the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) in controversies that made national headlines and tested the bounds of high school athletics.

1. The Hummer H2 Gift Scandal

For his 18th birthday in December 2002, LeBron received a massive gift: a brand-new Hummer H2 SUV. The vehicle, which was highly customized, was a gift from his mother, Gloria James, who secured a loan for the purchase.

• The Controversy: The OHSAA immediately launched an investigation into whether the purchase violated amateur rules, which prohibit athletes from accepting gifts based on their athletic ability.
• The Outcome: James was eventually cleared by the OHSAA, as investigators determined that the purchase was a legitimate loan secured by his mother and not a gift from an outside booster or agent. The story of the Hummer H2, however, remains one of the most famous symbols of his early fame.

2. The $845 Jersey Suspension

Just weeks after the Hummer investigation closed, a second, more damaging controversy erupted. James accepted two authentic, retro sports jerseys from a store called Next Level in Cleveland, Ohio.

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• The Violation: The jerseys were valued at a combined $845. This was a direct violation of OHSAA rules, which stated that an athlete could not accept gifts exceeding $100 in value.
• The Suspension: The OHSAA declared James ineligible for the remainder of his senior season. He was initially suspended indefinitely.
• The Comeback: James and his legal team appealed the ruling in court. A temporary restraining order allowed him to return to the court after missing just one game. In his first game back, James scored a staggering 52 points, a powerful statement against the controversy.

The Fab Five: Where Are LeBron's Childhood Teammates Now?

The core of the STVM dynasty was a group of five childhood friends, famously dubbed the "Fab Five" (not to be confused with the Michigan Wolverines group). Their story of loyalty, shared struggle, and success was immortalized in the 2008 documentary *More Than a Game* and the 2023 film *Shooting Stars*.

The enduring bond between these five friends from Akron is one of the most compelling aspects of LeBron's young life. Here is an update on the four key members of the Fab Five, all of whom have established successful post-basketball careers:

• Dru Joyce III (Point Guard): After playing professionally in Europe for over a decade, Joyce transitioned into coaching. He is currently serving as the Assistant Head Coach for the Duquesne University men's basketball team, continuing his career in the sport at a high level.
• Sian Cotton (Center/Football Player): Cotton pursued football after high school, playing defensive tackle for Ohio State. After his sports career, he transitioned into music and is now a successful musician and entrepreneur, remaining a close friend of James.
• Willie McGee (Guard): McGee played college basketball at the University of Akron. He has since been heavily involved in community work and coaching in the Akron area, often focusing on youth development programs.
• Romeo Travis (Forward): Travis had a long and successful professional basketball career overseas, playing in countries like Germany, France, and Greece before retiring. He has since returned to the Akron area and is involved in various community and business endeavors.

This group, along with childhood friend and now business partner Maverick Carter and agent Rich Paul, forms the inner circle that has guided LeBron's career and business empire for over two decades.

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The Moment He Became 'The Chosen One'

The true turning point in the national narrative of young LeBron James came in the middle of his junior year, a moment that cemented his future as a global icon and the heir to Michael Jordan.

On February 18, 2002, *Sports Illustrated* magazine published its cover story featuring the then-17-year-old James. The headline, emblazoned in bold text, read: "The Chosen One." This was an unprecedented level of national attention for a high school athlete, confirming the hype that had been building since his freshman year.

The cover story elevated James from a regional phenomenon to a national star, effectively ending any debate about whether he was ready for the NBA. It was a bold prediction that James not only met but ultimately exceeded, becoming the cornerstone of the 2003 NBA Draft and leading directly to his selection as the first overall pick by his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers.

The intense pressure that followed "The Chosen One" declaration is a key part of his young story. It highlighted the maturity James possessed, allowing him to navigate the media frenzy, the controversies, and the expectations while still delivering a legendary high school career that ended with a 101-6 overall record.