One thing people cannot take away from LeBron James is the simple fact that he “puts on for his city”!! Me being born and raised in Akron, OH, I can truly say that everything Bron has done for our city has been GREAT! Say what you want, but I’ve known Bron personally for a long time and he is on a mission to do something that hasn’t been done before; in order to do that, this new journey in his life is a part of the process. However, I am 100% sure that he will not forget about 330 (Akron, OH)!! From his family and friends residing here, to hosting the annual LeBron James Bike-A-Thon, to just cruising around the city; the one thing he will tell you if you asked him, it all started here in Akron!
I had the privilege to attend the 2010 LeBron James Skills Academy this past week here in Akron at the University of Akron’s JAR (James A. Rhodes) Arena. For all of you who aren’t aware, LeBron started “The LeBron James Skills Academy” in 2008, which is a “invite only” event that is held in the summer, which gives the top ranked high school and college basketball players an opportunity to attend the camp and showcase their talent. The skills academy isn’t an event that is open to the general public into; all I noticed were scouts, a few family members, and Nike representatives; badges and/or credentials are definitely a MUST! I was able to not only get exclusive photos and video footage of the camp, but I also was able to network with many like-minded individuals, and also watch some the nation’s best high school and college players go head to head!
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Any college basketball fans out there will recognize all of the following names, if not; get familiar!!! These guys are focused and determined to make some noise this year! Being around them showed me all the hard work and dedication that they have put forth. Here is the list of college players who were in attendance: Chris Singleton (Florida State), Gary McGhee (Pitt), Kemba Walker (UCONN), Talor Battle (Penn State), Chris Wright (Dayton), Chris Wright (Georgetown), Iman Shumpert (Georgia Tech), Alec Burks (Colorado), JaMychal Green (Alabama), Scotty Hopson (Tennessee), Curtis Kelly, Jacob Pullen (Kansas State), Shelvin Mack (Butler), Vernon Maclin, Chandler Parsons (Florida), National Champions Nolan Smith and Kyle Singler (Duke) Demetri McCamey (Illinois), Marshawn Powell (Arkansas), Klay Thompson (Washington State), Derrick Williams (Arizona), Yi-Hsiang Chou (Taiwan) and Marcus Morris (Kansas).
How does having the opportunity to play with and in front of LeBron and Chris Paul sound to you? I forgot to also mention taking a picture with LeBron as well… And even getting some free gear here and there… As well as NBA Scouts sitting courtside eyeballing every move you make… Sounds like the life huh? Well, I think you’re missing the point! The LeBron James Skills Academy is run by many well known individuals who coach and teach these players throughout the whole camp. Putting them through multiple intense workouts, drills, and games each day at camp, I know for a FACT that it’s not the “life” like many of you would think, because I was right there!!!
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