2001-02 LeBron James St. Vincent-St. Mary’s Irish High School Game-Used Home Jersey
LeBron James’ High School Jersey: A Piece of Basketball History
The Rise of “King James”
LeBron James, affectionately known as “King James,” captivated the national media with his extraordinary talent while still a student at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. His prowess on the court earned him the title of Ohio’s “Mr. Basketball” three times, a testament to his dominance in high school basketball. At just 18 years old, LeBron was selected as the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking the beginning of an illustrious career. Even before stepping onto an NBA court, he secured a groundbreaking $90 million shoe contract with Nike, underscoring his immense potential and marketability.
A Jersey with a Legacy
The jersey in question is a remarkable artifact from LeBron’s high school days, a period that laid the foundation for his legendary career. This piece of basketball memorabilia features the name “IRISH” across the front, with the iconic number “23” emblazoned on both the front and back. The numbers and letters are meticulously heat transferred in green with white borders, capturing the essence of the St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish spirit. At the front V-neck, the team’s “Fighting Irish” logo is prominently displayed, adding to the jersey’s authenticity and charm.
Symbolic Details
- Patriotic Tribute: The left chest bears an embroidered American Flag ribbon, a poignant tribute worn in remembrance of 9/11.
- Authenticity: The jersey is properly tagged, presented to us as game-used and in our opinion, shows light use.
- Condition: Accompanied by an additional Letter of Authenticity (LOA) grading the jersey a 5, further attesting to its significance and condition.
Why This Jersey Matters
This jersey is more than just a piece of fabric; it is a symbol of LeBron James’ early promise and the beginning of his journey to becoming an NBA Champion. It represents a time when LeBron was not just a player, but a beacon of hope and excitement for basketball fans worldwide. The jersey’s historical significance is further amplified by its connection to LeBron’s high school career, a period that saw him rise to national prominence and set the stage for his future success.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this jersey offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of sports memorabilia that captures the essence of LeBron’s formative years. It is a testament to his enduring legacy and the indelible mark he has left on the game. If you are interested in acquiring this extraordinary artifact, explore our NBA jerseys consignment options or consider having your own items appraised by our experts at Grey Flannel Auctions.
In acquiring this jersey, one is not merely obtaining a piece of sports memorabilia but a fragment of basketball history, a symbol of LeBron James’ enduring legacy and the indelible mark he left on the game. If you have your own piece of history, feel free to send it to the NBA items appraisal experts at Grey Flannel Auctions.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.