LeBron James’ legacy in the NBA needs no introduction. In 2003, he was drafted first overall and enjoyed what became a nearly two-decade career, piling up accolades and championships. This includes 4 NBA titles, 4 Finals MVPs, being the NBA’s leading scorer of all time in 2023. But all that could have turned out very different. An intriguing ‘what if’ offer Ohio State made to James during his school years could have well delayed – or even stopped – his NBA debut!

Interestingly, Ohio State wasn’t just offering just a basketball scholarship. Under then-football coach Jim Tressel, the university pitched the idea of LeBron as a dual-sport athlete, playing both football and basketball. But while there was a lot of appeal to collegiate athletics, James declined college in favor of entering the NBA draft immediately after high school. Ironically, this decision was made years before the NBA introduced the one-and-done rule in 2005. Had LeBron James chosen Ohio State, the implications for his career would have been monumental.

In the podcast New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce, James recalled, “They wanted me to come up there and be a two-sport player, i.e., Travis Hunter. We saw what Travis Hunter did this year with Colorado. They knocked on the door and said, ‘If you come down to Ohio State, we want you to play both sides.'” At St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, James dazzled spectators from the basketball court right on to the football field. He was considered to be amongst Ohio’s best wide receivers. But fate spelt a different story – as we now know.

James continued saying, “I would have definitely thought about that. My best friend at the time, Schea Cotton, went off to Ohio State on a full ride. He played for the Ohio State football team, so that would have been super dope. I could have, like, roomed with him and played football during the fall and basketball during the winter.” All that height, insane athleticism, and perfect coordination made him a perfect prospect for Ohio State’s football program. That James would be able to dominate as a Buckeye, making touchdowns in the fall and scoring in the winter, was more than just a pipe dream.

A year or more in college would have delayed his NBA entry, robbing him of the opportunity to make an immediate impact in 2003 – the year he won Rookie of the Year. His absence from the league during that time could have shifted the landscape of the NBA, affecting team compositions and championship outcomes. Perhaps his four NBA titles would not exist. Or they might’ve been scattered across different years and teams. Perhaps, he might’ve never done all that, and instead chosen pro-football. As the years have piled on since that all-too-crucial decision, the Akron Hammer’s legend has long been cemented in OSU’s history.

LeBron James’ Ohio State real legacy beyond tantalizing “What ifs”

James never actually attended Ohio State, but has long sided with the university. He has been spotted courtside at Buckeye basketball games and and cheering on the football team from luxury suites at Ohio Stadium. Beyond fandom, his support has continued — gifts like Nike sponsored apparel and Beats headphones to Ohio State athletes have made him an honorary Buckeye.

LeBron’s connection to Ohio State has also been a boon for the university’s spirit. His presence at games motivates young recruits and his public backing keeps the program in the national news. “It’s a pride thing,” James once said, emphasizing his Ohio roots. Both tangible and intangible, his contributions are a continued tribute to Buckeye bond with which he shares. And while James’ sons have taken different collegiate paths, there are always speculations about whether one of his children might someday play for Ohio State.

LeBron’s decision to go pro instead of college paved the road for the most amazing career ever. Records were broken, accolades collected and milestones reached. Even today, simply the notion of him playing two college sports makes for a fascinating footnote in his story. Had he accepted their unique but demanding offer, the world of basketball would have looked very different. But LeBron James’ decision to focus on professional basketball gave us the King James we know and cherish today – a player who redefined what basketball greatness is. A cultural icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist today, the best road for the man and for the game was the one he had the foresight to choose back then.