LeBron James has been in the NBA for 20 years now. He has been the face of the league and the most accomplished player of his generation. His skills and abilities on the basketball court came even before he joined the league. King James went to St Vincent’s St Mary’s high school. Dru Joyce was his coach and the man responsible for helping LeBron unlock his innate potential It was with Joyce’s coaching style that he fell into the radar as a hyped-up draft prospect.
Not many NBA fans know the impact the 4x NBA champion had in his hometown. He is, without a doubt, the most successful athlete to come out of St Vincent’s St Mary’s. As a result, the LeBron James arena was established to show respect for the Chosen One. He went back for a special court naming ceremony honoring Coach Dru for his accomplishments over the years.
We can’t wait to watch you and your guys take the Coach Dru Joyce Court this upcoming basketball season! #IrishPride #WeAreFamily pic.twitter.com/kvyvc7hZeA
— LeBron James Family Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) July 26, 2022
It is important to know what Dru Joyce achieved in his time with St Vincent’s St Mary’s and understand why James decided to take time to go show support towards his former coach.
LeBron James and Coach Dru Joyce carried St Vincent’s St Mary’s to relevance
High school basketball is quite intense and fast-paced in the United States. Some schools have loaded rosters with several potential future basketball players. It is not at the level of popularity of college basketball. However, the level of competition is not to be scoffed at.
One of the greatest arguments in the sport of basketball is the role and impact of a coach on a team. Some people think the coach has nothing to do with the team’s success. Others believe that a good coach is vital for a winning culture and mentality.
Coach Dru has proven that the latter is true, at least in his case. Paired with LeBron, the high school team managed to win two state championships, a state title, and the 2003 national championship. People might want to give King James sole credit for these accomplishments. However, it is important to note that Joyce led his team to 9 state championships, 7 state titles, 13 regional titles, and 19 district titles. Additionally, he helped compile a 441 win and 119 loss record in his 21-year-long career as a high school coach.
Coach Dru Joyce Court at the @stvmirish LeBron James Arena! An incredible honor for an incredible man, leader, & advocate in our community. Congratulations Coach Dru and thank you for always believing in our work and students. pic.twitter.com/mfSvQLwDvo
— LeBron James Family Foundation (@LJFamFoundation) July 26, 2022
The numbers speak for themselves and for the leadership qualities of Dru Joyce. He has been fittingly rewarded by having a basketball court named after him. King James was present for the inauguration of the ” Coach Dru Joyce Court” along with other high school alumni. This is a wonderful way to show appreciation to a coach who has given his all in order for his team to succeed.
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