LeBron James Brings Heat to the Miami Hurricanes, Too

When LeBron James announced he was taking his talents to South Beach, it wasn't hard to guess the impact that would have on the Miami Heat -- the season-opener notwithstanding.

But who knew the trickle down would reach all the way to the University of Miami?

The Hurricanes are suddenly James' team, too. He has adopted the Atlantic Coast Conference bottom-dweller, playing pick-up games with players on campus and promising to make appearances at BankUnited Center this season. And the Canes apparently have adopted James as well. He shows up at least four times in various photos in the annual media guide, not including a full-page Nike ad.

In a town where the Canes reside a rung below the Heat in the sports consciousness and a mile behind the football program on their own campus, they can only hope that James will raise the profile of basketball for everyone.

"You have a guy like LeBron in town, it's definitely great for us as a program,'' Canes guard Malcolm Grant said during the ACC media day last week in Charlotte, N.C.

The campus was abuzz in August after James and his pals, including Heat players Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller and All-Star Hornets guard and close friend Chris Paul, came by to play a pick-up game. Canes coach Frank Haith said he was approached by representatives of James, who wanted to set up the scrimmages to prepare for training camp.
After his visit to campus on Aug. 26, James even tweeted about it.

"Just left 'The U' hooping with the team ...Great runs! Needed that"

It didn't hurt the 'Canes, either.

 

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Source: http://ncaabasketball.fanhouse.com/2010/10/30/lebron-james-brings-heat-to-the-miami-hurricanes-too/

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