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In several other sports, we regularly watch athletes who are younger than LeBron James. Gymnastics and figure skating are often cited (and laughed at as quasi sports), but you can also include tennis, soccer, swimming - we frequently have world class performers who are below age 18. Pele was starring in, and winning, the World Cup at 17. Santino Quaranta made the DC United roster at 16 or 17 years old.
Just because we are not accustomed to seeing this in basketball, why is it so wrong to watch a great player perform? The McDonald HS All Stars tour and play in major arenas in large cities. We have the DeMatha invitational at the MCI Center in DC, and it brings in top talent from around the country. What gives with the resistance to this concept? If he can play (and he can), lets watch and enjoy while we can. And to see him against (arguably) the best collection of HS talent in the country is the best test of all, and well worth putting on TV.
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