With the many numerous memorable moments that have occurred in this building, tonight another player, LeBron James, who is sure to have many memorable moments of his own helped his team to a come from behind victory in the EA Sports Roundball Classic at the United Center.
James who led the West All-Stars with 28 points, clearly impressed the 19,678 fans in attendance last night, which was the largest crowd for a High School All-Star game, many thanks to LaBron. He started the game a bit slow, maybe due in part to his uniform number of 23, but was ignited by some of what His Airness left in this building for any player with the quality of LeBron to grace the floor of the United Center.
If anyone has missed the LeBron saga over the past six months, it is still clear that he will be the number one draft pick in the June NBA draft and with his explosive first step to the basket and his 6 –foot-8, 240 foot frame there were few players on the court that could stop him when he really wanted to score.
While it is too early to compare LaBron to any of the current NBA stars that chose the non-college route, be guaranteed that he will sure give Kobe, KG and T-Mac a run for their money, the only problem, where is he going to go? If he is the number one pick in the draft, which he is almost certain to be his talent may stay a bit too raw with the lack of quality veteran players to help him mature in his game, which is maturing day by day. He admits that he is working on other facets of his game to round out his overall assets to any team.
Just like most the fans that came to watch the future college and NBA stars, there were other players that had fans heads turning waiting for next years season of NCAA basketball to commence.
One player that seemed to dazzle next to James was Illinois recruit Charlie Villanueva, who finished the game with 18 points and several nice dunks to keep fans on their feet.
The 6-10 forward from Blair Academy in New Jersey, is another one of those players that may show up in the NBA Draft Lottery, but is more likely headed to Illinois if he is not projected to be a draft pick. Charlie averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists and 2 steals per game and had received countless All-Tournament and MVP Honors. He also received MVP honors at the Adidas ABCD Camp, who was also a sponsor along with EA Sports for tonight’s event.
As for the players in the East, there were several players that made things happen tonight and also let LaBron have his way late in the game. Sammy Mejia who is heading to DePaul next season led the way for the West 16 points and five assists.
For those in attendance who might be Maryland fans they have some reason to have high hope for a player who is a pure shooter and also carries the number 23 in Michael Jones. The 6-5 Jones who hails from Dorchester Massachusetts, averaged 24 points, 16 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1 block and 4.5 assists and was ranked 2003 EA Sports All-American, 1st Team All-State and number one ranked senior in New England. Many players, scouts and coaches believe him to be one of the best in the 2003 class and judging by his quickness last night Maryland has bright future with this young kid.
So at the end of the night as James took home the victory for the West All-Stars and the MVP trophy for the West team, there was plenty of hope that all that has surrounded him over the past six months is nothing more than past history, as it is time to focus on what James and the remainder of the talented guys on both squads can bring to both the NBA and the NCAA level of play. Whether you like James and his style of play and the potential of being the next Magic Johnson type of player, or whether your fan of the stars who might be the next NBA players four years from now, this was certainly a place to see some of the best High School players in what is sure not to be their last time on this court for many of them anyway.
Chicago, IL--
