Cavs Select LeBron James with the 1st Pick in the 2003 NBA Draft | June 26, 2003

With the first pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select LeBron James. Here he is with his mom, Gloria. Gloria sacrificed a lot. Gave birth to LeBron when she was 16, on their own at 19, living on assistance, food stamps, and here they are just a short time later, $100 million in contract, endorsements in basketball, and LeBron James makes a great American story. Mike, thanks. LeBron, this was a moment years in the making, and even though you knew you were going to be the top pick in the draft, you said you weren't sure how you'd feel when David Stern actually called your name, so I have to ask you, what was the moment like? It was great. You know, this is a longtime dream to finally accomplish this, and it finally shows that the hard work has finally paid off for me. And a lot lies ahead. You will most certainly be the most scrutinized rookie in the history of the NBA. What will make a successful season by your definition in the rookie year? You know, seeing our team get better every day. I think that's going to be the biggest accomplishment for us because last year we weren't pretty good, but if I feel like we get better every day as a team, that's going to be my biggest goal this year. There has been some talk that they might want to play you at the point guard. What do you think? I think I'm going to be ready for it. You know, for anything that Coach Silas needs me to do for my team to win, I think I'm going to be happy about it. You threw out to Carmelo Anthony basically game on. Let's vie for rookie of the year. Let's compete. Why will you win that contest? You know, I'm not sure I'm going to win the contest. I just think that I'm just going to try to get my teammates better. You know, I'm not looking for individual things. I'm all about the team. Well, the team wears this jersey on the road, LeBron. There it is. Enjoy it. Wildcats fans back at home.