LeBron James led the St. Vincent-St. Mary High School basketball team to the 2003 USA Today National Championship. While James found gainful employment in the NBA after that unforgettable season, his teammates and coach followed their own paths to success. Here are their stories. –a.r. shaw
Coach Dru Joyce II
Position: Coach
Dru Joyce II was the architect behind St. Vincent-St. Mary High School’s magical run. The father of Dru Joyce III, Joyce II also coached the Fab 5 in grade school and played a major role in teaching the team about life on and off the court.
Life After the Magical Season: Dru Joyce II continues to coach basketball at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. In March, Joyce led St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to the 2009 Division II state championship.
Quote: “It was a very humbling experience. We were just living our lives. I was just a dad who was trying to help his son live his dream. We had no foresight to see that a movie would be made. This was not a plan. I’m thankful I am apart of it.
Dru Joyce III
Position: Guard
The smallest player in the Fab Five, Dru Joyce III overcame his size by scrapping and outworking his competitors. After he was told that he was too small to play for the neighborhood high school, Joyce encouraged his childhood friends to attend St. Vincent-St. Mary High School with him.
Life After the Magical Season: Joyce III received a full scholarship to the University of Akron where he averaged 9.7 points per game and 5 assists. Joyce is currently playing professional ball overseas.
Quote: “I think it’s great to have LeBron on board in the film. It’s a great thing and he’s trying to brand his company. He made it to the NBA and that was his dream. But we have all been successful. We have been blessed and I expect more success.”
Romeo Travis
Position: Forward
The last edition to the Fab Five, Travis had difficulties relating to his teammates when he initially joined the team. After a physical altercation with Joyce he almost quit the team. But after spending time with the group, he put his differences aside and became the leader that the team needed him to be.
Life After the Magical Season: Travis received a full college scholarship and joined Dru Joyce at the University of Akron. He was named the MAC player of the year in 2007 and is currently playing professionally in Europe.
Quote: “The film brought back memories. It also brings back good memories when were having fun on and off the court. High school was the best time of my life. It was bittersweet to watch the movie for the first time.”
Willie McGee
Position: Forward
Once heralded as one of the top junior high school basketball players in the country, Willie McGee had difficulties remaining in the starting line-up at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School after he suffered a shoulder injury. However, McGee’s defensive play was key in the team’s run for the national title. He also served as the junior class president.
Life After the Magical Season: Willie McGee played football at Fairmont State University and earned a degree in computer science. McGee is currently working on his master’s degree at the University of Akron.
Sian Cotton
Position: Center
A highly recruited football player, Sian Cotton provided a legitimate inside force for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School basketball team.
Life After the Magical Season: Cotton received a full scholarship to play football at Ohio State University. Cotton recently transferred to Walsh University and will graduate in the spring of 2010. He hopes to play in the NFL.
