Title: The Akron Boys: From St. Vincent-St. Mary to NBA Courtside Legends
Akron, Ohio — 2002
The gym was packed. The banners hung heavy with expectation. At center court stood a teenager with NBA eyes already watching: LeBron James. But what made the 2002 St. Vincent-St. Mary Fighting Irish special wasn’t just one prodigy — it was a brotherhood.
Dru Joyce III, the floor general.
Sian Cotton, the enforcer.
Romeo Travis, the Swiss Army knife.
Willie McGee, the slasher and spark plug.
Together, they weren’t just teammates. They were a unit. The “Fab Five of Akron.” They went 103–6 over four years, won three state titles, and captivated the country before social media made prep stars a daily feed.
LeBron was the star, yes. But ask him, and he’ll still say:
> “I wouldn’t be me without them. They kept me grounded. They kept me hungry.”
Fast Forward: 2023 – 21 Years Later
LeBron is in Year 20 with the Lakers. Still dominant. Still the king. And courtside at Crypto.com Arena on a crisp March night, the camera pans to a familiar group of faces.
The Akron Boys.
No entourages. No designer shades. Just four lifelong friends who rode the wildest wave in basketball history and never let go of the bond.
Dru Joyce III is now the head coach of Duquesne University, bringing his cerebral point guard mindset to the sideline. He still breaks down film like it’s Game 7.
Sian Cotton became a motivational speaker and local community leader. He credits those team bus rides and LeBron’s work ethic as “the spark that made me hustle in life.”
Romeo Travis played 14 years overseas, becoming a star in Israel, France, and the Philippines. Now retired, he mentors young international players and often tells them, “I guarded Bron in practice. You ain’t scaring me.”
Willie McGee is in education, running youth sports programs in Akron and leading initiatives to rebuild community centers.
They talk every week. A group chat filled with jokes, film clips, and LeBron’s memes. When Bron dropped 48 on Houston in 2023, Romeo texted:
> “Remember when he did that to us in practice?”
LeBron replied:
“Y’all made me who I am.”
The Reunion
In 2023, the Fighting Irish held a 20-year anniversary ceremony. The Akron Civic Theatre was packed with family, fans, and former foes. They screened highlights of that magical 2002 season—dunks, alley-oops, full-court presses.
LeBron, ever emotional when it comes to home, took the mic:
> “We weren’t just teammates. We were brothers. Still are.”
They hugged. The crowd erupted. A moment no championship ring could replace.
Legacy
In an era where AAU shuffles teammates like deck cards, The Akron Boys are a relic — and a reminder. That loyalty, chemistry, and growing up together can create something even greater than banners.
They weren’t just part of LeBron’s origin story.
They are his foundation.
And 20 years later, the bond still holds.
#timeflies #AkronBoys #LeBronJames #Brotherhood #BasketballFamily
