James dedicates Akron youth center

Heat star vows to keep helping

LeBron James donated $240,000 to renovate a community center in Akron as a safe haven for area children.

AKRON -- LeBron James sat in a gym inside a community center he and his friends were afraid to visit as kids, reflecting on his past and looking to the future.

With his hands folded tightly, James listened as a boy sang "His Eye Is On The Sparrow," the child's beautiful voice filling a place James has transformed with a generous gift.

"I remember coming through the front doors here," James said afterward in a sit-down interview with the Associated Press. "It was an intimidating place, real dark."

Tuesday, the NBA superstar cut the ribbon to officially open The LeBron James Clubhouse at an Akron Boys&Girls Club, a safe haven for area children that he paid to renovate with $240,000 donated through his family foundation. Back home in Ohio and surrounded by family and friends, the Miami Heat forward felt humbled while giving back to his community.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "As a kid, this is one of the places we didn't want to go. But to see the transformation from what this place used to be to what it is now is amazing, and the only reason we're doing it is for these kids. They are our future."

James pointed toward several rows of youngsters, who hung on his every word.

One of them, 11-year-old Jaire Bell, opened the ceremony with his gospel song, a touching performance that moved James, who later promised to keep helping Akron's youth.

"There should never be a door closed to their dreams," said James, who on Monday launched a program to provide hundreds of third graders academic tools they need.

"We have presidents in here, doctors, lawyers, possibly professional athletes," he said. "All the dreams they have, there should be a way for them to accomplish it. I dreamed a lot as a kid and the reason I could is that I had people around me who never shut the door. I had coaches, mentors, my mother, and friends. We all believed in the same thing and I was able to accomplish it -- with a lot of help."

The clubhouse dedication was the first part of what promised to be an emotional day for James, who was to be inducted into the athletic Hall of Fame of his alma mater, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. James is being honored along with teammates Sian Cotton, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, and Romeo Travis.

That group won three state titles and a mythical national championship as seniors.

Following a tumultuous first season in Miami that began with his infamous announcement last summer to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers, James has relished his summer back in Akron. This is where he can find peace, block out all the criticism, and mostly, just be himself.

In concluding his remarks to an audience comprised of school kids, parents, and civic leaders, James reminded everyone he'll never stray too far.

"I will always be here," he said. "I grew up in this city. I love this city, and I'm instilled in this city. No matter where my life may take me, I will always be in Akron, Ohio. I will always give back to Akron, Ohio. Because these kids deserve it."

Yao nominated for Hall of Fame

HOUSTON -- Retired Houston Rockets center Yao Ming could enter the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame as early as next year -- not as a player, but as a contributor to the game.

John Doleva, the president and CEO of the Hall, said Tuesday that Yao has been nominated by a member of the Chinese media and his credentials will be considered by an international panel. As a contributor, Yao would bypass the usual five-year waiting period for retired players.

The 7-foot-6 Yao retired in July after leg and foot injuries ended his eight-year NBA career. The eight-time all-star averaged 19 points and 9.2 rebounds in the NBA.

He'll also be remembered for his global impact on the league, almost single-handedly expanded its reach throughout Asia.

Doleva said a panel of seven "experts on the international game" will consider Yao's credentials, and six of the seven will have to approve Yao's election. The panel is only allowed to select one individual, and Doleva said Yao will be facing about 12-15 other candidates for induction.

The deadline for nominations is Nov. 1. Doleva says a member of the Chinese media contacted him to ask about the categories available for individuals, and submitted a formal application this week on Yao's behalf.

"It has to go through the process," Doleva said. "There is no guarantee when someone is nominated that they will be elected in their first year. That's kind of what makes the process work. The committee takes a look at the pros and cons."

Yao can certainly make a compelling argument.

His charisma and popularity helped spike merchandise sales and prompted record TV ratings for games after the Rockets made him the top overall pick in the 2002 draft.

Yao also donated $2 million to set up a foundation to rebuild schools destroyed by the earthquake in Sichuan province in May, 2008. He carried the Olympic torch through Tiananmen Square and his country's flag during the opening ceremonies at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.