Sports

Cavs head coach Mike Brown, at right, speaks during the MVP awards ceremony at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Shown at his left, from left, are Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry and LeBron James.

LeBron James poses with STVM students after receiving the MPV trophy.

DOWNTOWN AKRON — LeBron James was in his comfort zone May 4.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ star forward was back at his old high school, St. Vincent-St. Mary (STVM), surrounded by many of the people who helped shape his life. He chose the site to receive the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award, which he won by garnering 109 of a possible 121 first-place votes.

“It’s LeBron James Day at St. Vincent-St. Mary,” said Cavs radio announcer Joe Tait, who served as master of ceremonies.

Before the event, the students seated in the gymnasium bleachers chanted, “MVP, MVP.”

“This school helped me become the man I am today,” said James.

From left, Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James, a St. Vincent-St. Mary High School (STVM) graduate, receives the Maurice Podoloff Trophy for being the NBA’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) from Tim Chaney, director of marketing for KIA Motors America, May 4 at STVM.

Photos: Ken Crisafi

While James was at STVM, the Fighting Irish won three state championships in four years and USA Today ranked the 2002-03 team, coached by Dru Joyce II, as the No. 1 team in the country.

This year, STVM won its first boys basketball state championship since the James era. Joyce said James, who attended the title game, is an inspiration to his current players.

“When they see him, they recognize it’s all about hard work,” he said. “He doesn’t take shortcuts. He’s done it the right way.”

James’ current coach, NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown, spoke of the character of the league’s MVP.

“More than a player, he’s a terrific person,” said Brown. “In order to get to the level he has gotten to, you can’t just be a great player. You’ve got to have something inside of you that makes up a terrific human being.”

At 24, James is the third youngest player to win the award. He said he never thought it would it happen this fast, and noted that winning the award had not been one of his dreams.

“I always dreamed about winning championships with teammates, celebrating with teammates,” he said.

“But if I said I didn’t enjoy this award, I’d be lying to you,” he added, smiling.

James’ teammates were in attendance at the ceremony.

“Those guys over there are the main reason why I’m up here receiving this award,” said James, who presented his teammates with flip video cameras. “We spend more time with each other than with our families. It’s a sacrifice that has to be made if you want to be great.”

Family means much to James, and he thanked those who have played a part in his life. To his mother, Gloria, who raised him as a single parent, he said, “I don’t know how you did it. I’m still trying to figure it out. I may be able to figure out how to make a jumper or dunk a basketball, but I can’t figure out how you raised me by yourself.”

For winning the award, James received a Kia Borrego SUV. It was announced during the ceremony he is donating it to the Akron Urban League.