Lebron James, already in the GOAT conversation for NBA players, feels that he could have made March Madness memories if he had played college ball. In a podcast with now-Lakers coach J.J. Reddick, he lamented how a stellar college basketball career would’ve changed his life.
LeBron James Reflects On His Potential College Career
Without a doubt, LeBron James will enter the NBA’s history books as one of the greatest players in history. Yet, he laments missing a part of his career despite winning four NBA championships, three Olympic gold medals, and the most points in NBA history.
You would think that all of these accolades would satisfy an all-time great player. Yet, the lure of the untraveled road carries weight. Ironically, in a podcast with James’ current coach, J.J. Redick, James discusses the college route he did not take.
“March Madness, right now, is the only time I think about playing college basketball. It frustrates me. As a Black man, it raises my blood pressure. But I watch anyway,” James told Reddick.
College Basketball’s Landscape in 2003
For argument’s sake, we’ll place LeBron in the freshman class of 2003. Now, what school would he attend? The logical thought is Ohio State, but the Buckeyes were a few months before Jim O’Brien’s departure.
Meanwhile, North Carolina, one year removed from the Marr Doherty disaster, is just starting to get its feet under it with Roy Williams.
Carolina lost in the second round of the tournament to Texas. In all honesty, the one team that makes the most sense for James is UConn. Even though the Huskies won the title without him that year, he could inspire a repeat—or, depending on how long he stays in school, a three-peat.
Combining James with center Emeka Okafor would present a nightmare scenario for coaches. A double-double machine, Okafor patrols the paint while James shines on the perimeter. Meanwhile, Ben Gordon would see wide-open threes. Jim Calhoun would provide an elevated level of hard coaching mixed with curmudgeonly taught drills.
By going to college first, James would have missed the end of an era of sorts. Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal’s swan song in Los Angeles happened during James’ rookie campaign. If the Lakers stayed together, there is no telling how many championships they would hoist with that dynamic duo.
Moreover, James attending college would prohibit what many believe is the best draft class in history. Fourteen of the top-25 picks played for over a decade.
James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh became synonymous with each other. In fact, James, Wade, and Bosh played together in Miami, winning back-to-back championships. That doesn’t occur with a college detour.
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You can see what college means to James when you look at his sons. Bronny, the namesake, played one year to mostly disappointing returns, at USC. During that time, he started just six games, averaging 4.8 points and 2.8 assists per game.
Meanwhile, the younger son, Bryce, presents a better basketball skill set than his brother. The Arizona commit plays a definitive role as a two-guard, with a smooth outside shot and the ability to put the ball on the floor.
Social media floods with the elder James at his kids’ high school basketball games. Now, envision him in Tucson talking behind the Arizona bench.
LeBron James made the smart move. 20 years and a billion dollars later, he evolved into a global icon. Yet, in the recesses of his mind, playing for a school again would remain a thrill. No matter how old a person gets or whatever success they enjoy, the “what if” becomes the eternal question.
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