The Ohio State basketball program has benefited greatly from LeBron James over the years. James never played college basketball. He was born and raised in Akron, OH, and grew up an Ohio State fan. James has said multiple times over the years that had he gone to college, he would have played for the Buckeyes.
James has gifted the Ohio State Buckeyes multiple times over the years to both the football and the basketball programs. He has given the football program some custom LBJ cleats. The basketball program has also gotten some shoes, as well.
As one of the most famous Ohio State fans in the world, James has given the Buckeyes plenty of opportunities for recruiting tools and marketing opportunities.