[UAZip0510]

LINK

A few excerpts:

He trained with his first coach at St. Vincent--St. Mary High, Keith Dambrot, who had barely worked with him since he was a rookie. "A lot of people are intimidated by LeBron, but he wants the truth," says Dambrot, now the coach at Akron. "He's not too big to take criticism. I told him, 'You have to do more things you don't want to do. You have to do more offensive and defensive rebounding, moving without the ball, all the basics that made you great going back to the beginning.'"

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When the Heat has won 101--98, James finds Jay-Z's nephew in the courtside seats and slips his headband around the boy's neck. He removes his Nikes and hands those over as well. He tells the Heat's TV announcers he never thought he would hear MVP chants in an opposing arena again. Still, he will receive a text from Dambrot saying he needs to grab more rebounds.

[Dave in Green]

While I'd like to know more specific details about how Zips basketball has benefited from the LeBron connection, KD makes it pretty clear in this article that it does help recruiting:

“We get to recruit a lot of good players because of LeBron, because of the connection with LeBron.”

"I think it’s a good connection, I think it will stay a good connection and it’s a connection we have to have to take the program to the next level. Without him, it’s a little harder.”

"The kids we recruit, they just know he’s good so as long as we are connected to him, then we’re good.”

[UAZip0510]

While I'd like to know more specific details about how Zips basketball has benefited from the LeBron connection, KD makes it pretty clear in this article that it does help recruiting:

“We get to recruit a lot of good players because of LeBron, because of the connection with LeBron.”

"I think it’s a good connection, I think it will stay a good connection and it’s a connection we have to have to take the program to the next level. Without him, it’s a little harder.”

"The kids we recruit, they just know he’s good so as long as we are connected to him, then we’re good.”

Dambrot was questioned about if LeBron hurts him now post-"Decision"...he responded by saying nice things and saying he helps...

We all agree that he helps...but where's the proof that he helps in a significant way?

Find me one current, former, or future Zip quoted that LBJ had ANY impact on them attending UA and I'll believe he has a serious impact. Until there is actual evidence (KD saying nice things about his former player doesn't qualify) of LBJ having a major impact on our recruiting, that argument just doesn't hold up.

[Dave in Green]

..... We all agree that he helps...but where's the proof that he helps in a significant way? .....

Well said. That about sums it up for me. I'd be happy if LeBron's association with the program was the tie-breaker in the decision of a recruit or two to take UA's offer over an offer from another winning mid-major program. It may have already made the difference with a Zips player or two, but that's pure speculation because we've yet to see any proof of that.

[UAZip0510]

Well said. That about sums it up for me. I'd be happy if LeBron's association with the program was the tie-breaker in the decision of a recruit or two to take UA's offer over an offer from another winning mid-major program. It may have already made the difference with a Zips player or two, but that's pure speculation because we've yet to see any proof of that.

Agreed. I'm not saying it hasn't helped or it won't, just that there is no measurable proof that it has. Until I see evidence of an LBJ recruiting impact, I'll continue to give full credit to Keith Dambrot and his staff, who have - in my opinion - done a hell of a job recruiting.