After Breaking 52-Year Curse, LeBron James Gives Bryce James and NCAA Talents a Hard Reality Check

Just months after Bronny James had his breakthrough in the NBA, his younger brother also took the next leap. Bryce James, the 17-year-old son of LeBron James, committed to the University of Arizona to play his college ball. He will be the second in the family to attend college. In the wake of such news, the Akron Hammer recently appeared on the Kelce brothers’ podcast. And in their conversations, they also talked about how the recruitment process has developed since their time.

Before his emergence, Akron, Ohio was not a destination many people wanted to visit. But the buzz James created during high school was unprecedented. Arenas would be full, even bigger than Cavaliers games at the time. Still, the allure did not translate into recognition as it is in today’s era of widespread social media.

“This is before social media, so you couldn’t understand what it is. Unless you were there in real time, you didn’t know. It was just word of mouth… But if you happen to be in town and I happen to player, you got what the hype was about. So I can only imagine if social media existed back then it would have been too much for Northeast Ohio.” LeBron James said at New Heights.

But with social media it is different. As James explained, “You can be anywhere in the world now, and because of the phones and because of the things you can capture, you can be recruited and be accepted,”.

Back then, performing in front of the scouts was more than drawing crowds that mattered. According to James and the Kelce brothers, this made the recruiting process tough. The athletes had only those few chances, and if they couldn’t impress the scouts, their stats couldn’t compensate.

“You had to show up, because they were everywhere. They weren’t supposed to just come and keep coming back if you didn’t show up. You had to perform in front of the coaches, LeBron James shared.

The pressure didn’t stop for LeBron James

In James’ case, his high school profile and repeat performances convinced the highest level of scouting. He made the jump straight to the NBA, a feat few players of his era share. However, getting the nickname ‘The Chosen One’ and being number one in the draft at 18 was not the height of expectations.

Fittingly, LeBron James was chosen by the Cleveland Cavaliers, his hometown team. And from the moment he was attached to the franchise, the standard was set. He needed to win a championship in the city. It took him some time to learn what it takes to achieve that.

So after seeing his jerseys burned in the street for leaving Cleveland to join the Heat, James returned. And in his second stint, he won a championship against all odds. The Cavs became the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit, and the adventure finally came true for LeBron James.

It was undoubtedly the greatest moment of conquest for him personally. His story of delivering a championship to Ohio after a half-century drought at any sports festival was complete. But looking back at the expectations placed upon him, James couldn’t help but wonder. “What was it 57 years or something? I was like I’m not alive yet, why am I getting this pressure?” he said sarcastically at New Heights.

But as he has since high school, the excessive pressure led to his best. And now he stands as one of the most influential sports figures in Cleveland. A fitting end to a truly exceptional story.

As he nears retirement, do you think LeBron James could play his final season for the Cavaliers? Let us know your views in the comments below.