LEBRON JAMES

Position: SG Class: Early Entry High School: St. Vincent-St. Mary (OH) Ht., Wt.: 6'8, 240 Selected by Cleveland Cavaliers Round 1, pick 1 (1 overall)

BIO: James is considered the premier prospect in the 2003 draft and one of the greatest high school basketball players in history. James led St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to three Ohio state titles, including one his senior season after a loss in the championship game as a junior. James averaged 31.6 points and 9.6 rebounds in his senior season and was consensus national high school Player of the Year. He participated in three high school all-star games -- one more than NCAA rules allowed since he opted against attending college. James turned in his best performance with a 52-point explosion against Westchester High School of Los Angeles in the Prime Time Shootout in Trenton, New Jersey. He was suspended for one game his senior season for receiving improper benefits as a high school athlete. James was named MVP of all three all-star games and was on the winning end of the first two before his team lost in the Capital Classic in Washington despite a 34-point, 12-rebound performance in front of Michael Jordan, his idol. James burst on the national scene after outplaying Carmelo Anthony at the 2001 ABCD camp. ANALYSIS: How to begin? Start with this: The player he has been compared to most often is Magic Johnson. That's why he's listed as a point guard even though he could probably play any position on the floor. James' uncanny savvy, court awareness, vision and fondness for throwing a great pass make him ideally suited to play the point. And pity the poor 6-2 or 6-3 opponent that has to guard him. With his blow-by quickness, other-worldly leaping ability and strength, James can attack the rim with the best of them. If he's got a weakness, its that his perimeter game is still developing. He also needs to make a higher percentage of his free throws. Minor quibbles aside, James is the crown jewel of this draft. POSITIVES: There are two traits that can make players great, and neither of them are teachable. Physical and cognitive abilities are something athletes can only be born with. You could do all of the squat thrusts in the world, but you still will never jump like Mike. You can learn to think the game, but Magic and Larry never thought on the floor they just reacted. James is a once-in-a-generation athlete with both the physical and cognitive attributes to one day be mentioned in the same breath as Michael, Magic and Larry. NEGATIVES: James is being selected No. 1 overall for his talent, not his skills. Wing players without reliable jump shots are often ineffective in the NBA, and some have speculated that James could fit into that category. As long as James follows a natural learning curve, however, he should possess a consistent perimeter game in three years. Once that happens, there will simply be no stopping him. PROJECTION: Early First Round Photo: Lisa Blumenfield/Getty Images