Mahoney, who is a player on the Emmanuel Christian Academy boys basketball team, has rooted for James and the Cavaliers for five years and has attended one game a every year since then. In his room, Mahoney has multiple posters of James, pictures from the games he attended, multiple jerseys and even a pair of James’ signature shoes.
Mahoney said he is confident James will stay with Cleveland but added it would be crushing if he announces that he’s leaving.
“It would be a sad day in Ohio,” Mahoney said.
Even if James leaves, Mahoney said he will still root for the team. So will Wittenberg senior psychology major David Jenks. Growing up in Medina, Ohio, the 21-year-old Jenks has rooted for the Cavaliers since he was 5-years-old.
Jenks attended Archbishop Hoban High School, a rival of James’ alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, and saw James in person at sporting events. While Jenks believes he is staying with the Cavs, he wants James to follow his heart — even if he announces he’s leaving on national television.
“I just wish that he makes the best decision,” Jenks said. “I don’t want to see him do it for money, I don’t want him to do it for the wrong reasons. He’s had the opportunity to play in Cleveland and if he wants to explore new horizons then he has every right to.”
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