These Akron locations get moment in spotlight in LeBron's 'Shooting Stars' movie on Peacock
There’s little doubt when “Shooting Stars" — the film documenting the high school years of NBA superstar LeBron James and his friends Dru Joyce III, Sian Cotton, Romeo Travis and Willie McGee — debuts, Akron residents will recognize more than a few landmarks playing a prominent part in the film to give it some Rubber City authenticity.
“We probably had 20 locations in the movie between anywhere from Akron to Cleveland, and points in between. But as far as the Akron locations, those are really the biggest ones,” said Wendall Hinkle, the location manager for the film.
Akron is as much a character as any of the players are. Few professional athletes have so heavily and eagerly identified with their hometowns even when they move away.
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But James has been explicit in proclaiming what he views as home, and that place is here. It’s difficult to see the filmmakers making “Shooting Stars,” based on the book of the same name by Buzz Bissinger, anywhere else and being able to capture the flavor of the city, its attitudes and the spots unique to Akron.
This time last year, cameras crews invaded the area putting that on film for “Shooting Stars,” which streams on NBCUniversal’s Peacock streaming service beginning June 2. Its Akron premiere is Saturday night at House Three Thirty. Here are five spots where director Chris Robinson and his team filmed the story of “kids from Akron.”
James A. Rhodes Arena, University of Akron
For those who watched James during those high school years, the James A. Rhodes Arena served as a home court for some of St. Vincent-St. Mary’s games. That’s how great the demand was to see him play. James, although he never attended the University of Akron, has supported it through the years via education initiatives to help students from his I Promise school attend college and by accepting the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award there in 2010 as a way of honoring this city and his former coach Keith Dambrot, to whom he maintains ties to this day.
St. Vincent-St. Mary High School
Not a lot could be filmed at St. V-M, location manager Hinkle said during a recent interview, primarily because so much has changed in the gym where James and his friends played. James donated money to help pay for a renovation in 2013. St. V-M, however, was where the legend was born and became “The Chosen One.”
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Spring Hill Apartments
James and his mother lived in this building where his hoop dreams began to really take shape. According to reports, they lived in apartment No. 602 at Spring Hill from 1996-2003.
His dreams became reality when the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him No. 1 overall in the 2003 NBA Draft. In one fell swoop, James went from public housing to millionaire, courtesy of his initial Nike deal (worth $90 million) and his first pro contract (initially worth $18.8 million over four years).
Spring Hill played a pivotal role in shaping his dreams.
Buchtel, Kenmore and Garfield high schools
Buchtel, Kenmore and Garfield all receive significant exposure in the film.
“They got used quite a bit,” Hinkle said. “There were multiple film days at those places.”
The reason behind that: to show some variety in gyms the Irish played in. While many of the basketball scenes took place in a closed suburban Cleveland high school, Akron schools also were used.
Swensons Drive-In
Seriously, did anyone from Akron believe a film about James would be shot here and there wouldn’t be some sort of shoutout to one of the city’s institutions? Think again.
Reach George M. Thomas at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @ByGeorgeThomas.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: LeBron James' movie 'Shooting Stars' puts the focus on Akron
