Game Notes

If you've looked at the schedule for Sunday's game against Duquesne, something might look strange. The contest won't be held in Pittsburgh, instead the Anteaters will play the Dukes in Akron, Ohio - at a high school. But not any high school. The teams will tangle at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School where LeBron James went to high school. 

James played for Duquesne head coach Keith Dambrot as a prep at the site of Sunday's game. 

Thanks to a gift from James, the facility was upgraded in 2013 and is now known as the LeBron James Arena.

Akron is also the hometown of Dambrot, who committed to playing one game a year at the Arena and UCI is the lucky opponent in 2021. 

UCI head coach Russell Turner began a friendship with Dambrot when they sat next to each other on a flight home from the UTEP Tournament in 2016 when Dambrot was the head coach at Akron. 

James played at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School from 1999-2003, winning three state titles, two with Dambrot. The three-time Mr. Ohio Basketball would go on to be the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. He is the only player to win NBA Championships with three franchises (Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers) and has been named the league's MVP four times. 

The accolades are endless and his impact on young players is immeasurable, including on the Anteaters. 

When asking who was the biggest LeBron fan on the team, everyone quickly said Austin Johnson, including Austin.  

"I am pretty excited about this opportunity as I've been watching him play ever since I started playing basketball," Johnson said. "To play at the same high school where he made his mark is awesome." 

When thinking about James, Johnson said, 

"In my opinion he will go down as No. 1 in scoring all-time, but it's how he makes everyone better around him." 

Johnson, who leads the Big West in blocked shots and is currently ranked 30^th nationally, thinks one part of his game that is underrated is blocking shots.  

"The way he chases down people. They always think they have a free layup and boom, he comes out of nowhere."

James' block in Game 7 against the Warriors is JC Butler's favorite moment.

"His block against the Warriors, that would be my all-time favorite LeBron moment." 

Butler, who is no stranger to the NBA with father Caron playing in the league from 2002-2016, appreciates his drive and love for the game the most. 

"If not the best player of all-time, one of the best players of all-time. He has shaped a lot of things in the game of basketball and we are grateful for him." 

Freshman Langston Redfield appreciates James' greatness on and off the court when asked to describe the Los Angeles Laker star. 

"I think he is the greatest player on the earth. Putting in the work, sustained excellence for his whole career. Staying out of trouble, giving back to his community. A great player and great person." 

Being selfless is something Redfield tries to emulate.  

"I try to get everyone involved and make my teammates better like he does so well." 

When asked what they would say to James if they could, all three said the same thing without hesitation – Thank you! 

Redfield said "Thank you for being a role model, for inspiring me to come this far in my career and a model of what to be on and off the court." 

Butler said thank you, but also added a special request. 

"Could we play one-on-one?" 

Inspired by the arena's namesake, UCI will take the court at 10:00 a.m. PT Sunday. Follow the game on KUCI 88.9 FM with Trent Rush calling the action from Akron.