LeBron James began his NBA journey as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2003 NBA Draft. But before his professional career took off, it was the ABCD Camp that set the stage for his success.
At the ABCD Camp, Lenny Cooke was initially considered a better prospect than James. However, everything changed when James outplayed Cooke in the championship game of the tournament. James’ standout performance earned him the MVP award and strengthened his status as the top prospect.
Former St. Vincent-St. Mary High School basketball team’s coach Keith Dambrot recently discussed James’ impact at the 2001 ABCD Camp on the Hoop Collective podcast. Dambrot shared how the Lakers star’s dominance at the camp became a turning point in his career.
“LeBron kind of tore up everybody when he felt like it, and you know, he probably ruined Lenny Cooke’s career even because at that point he was the number one player in the country and LeBron wasn’t; that was right when I left,” Dambrot said.
“I’m not too smart. I’m the only one that’s dumb enough to leave LeBron James and go to Duquesne, where the last nine coaches have been fired,” he added.
Keith Dambrot’s Bold Claim About LeBron James Faced Skepticism from Bob Huggins
Keith Dambrot was convinced that LeBron James was the best basketball prospect he had ever seen after witnessing the Los Angeles Lakers star’s dominance at the ABCD Camp.
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However, not everyone shared Dambrot’s enthusiasm at the time. Former Cincinnati Bearcats coach Bob Huggins was skeptical of Dambrot’s high praise. During the podcast, Dambrot recounted a conversation he had with Huggins, revealing the extent of the skepticism he faced.
“I was never really a high school coach before I came here. I called guys like Bob Huggins, and I said, ‘Bob, I think I got one of the best players,’” he said.
“He said, ‘Well, best players, what in Ohio?” I said, ‘No, best player I have ever seen’… He says, ‘You sound like a high school coach,’” he added.
Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that Huggins’ view has changed significantly. Seeing James’ dominance in the NBA as he is entering his 22nd NBA season, Huggins likely now understands the weight of Dambrot’s words.
