Megan Basham

Using the principles of Christ, LeBron James’ high school coach helped keep the superstar and his teammates grounded

In his new autobiography, Shooting Stars, co-written with Friday Night Lights author Buzz Bissenger, LeBron James reveals the journey that took him from the housing projects of Akron, Ohio, to basketball superstardom. The book, along with a documentary out this month, More Than a Game (for a review, see “Basketball brothers,” Nov. 7, 2009), characterizes James’ journey to becoming arguably the best player in the NBA as a team effort. In particular, he gives credit to the man who coached him and three of his best friends from the fifth grade to his senior year in high school: Dru Joyce II.

“What Coach Dru did for us was set up life for us after the game of basketball. He taught us to use the game of basketball and not let the game of basketball use us,” James has said of the man he calls his teacher, father figure, and friend. Recently, I had a chance to chat with Coach Joyce.

To read complete interview, click here.