Ohio State's relationship with LeBron James is nothing short of extensive.
Thad Matta's men's basketball team wears various editions of James' Nike shoe line and his logo appears on its uniforms, warmups and other apparel. When he arrived, Urban Meyer extended the superstar an open invitation to attend any football events or games, which James last did during the team's national championship season both at the title game against Oregon and loss to Virginia Tech in Ohio Stadium.
James came to campus in September 2013 too, speaking at the Skull Session in St. John Arena before the Buckeyes defeated Wisconsin 31-24. He told the crowd that day his college choice would have been Ohio State had he not gone straight from high school to the NBA.
James is a global icon and a fabulous recruiting tool for Ohio State. His value will only increase considering he just led his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers to the franchise's first NBA title Sunday with a 93-89 defeat of the record-setting Golden State Warriors and the league's first-ever unanimous MVP, Stephen Curry.
Meyer, Matta and athletic director Gene Smith rode in Wednesday's victory parade in Cleveland. Twitter, Instagram, Vine and Snapchat accounts for both programs sent out undying support for James and the Cavaliers during the playoffs.
Now that Cleveland has its championship, it is likely the athletic department will put in a mountain of requests to James' people for his presence in Columbus this fall, winter or even this summer. James informed Team USA Thursday he does not intend to play in the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
Here is a handful of ideas how Ohio State could incorporate James and his teammates during the 2016-17 athletic year to garner more attention.
James Dots The I
The "dotting of the i" in Script Ohio, one of the greatest traditions in college football, is typically reserved for a fourth- or fifth-year sousaphone player. Still, exceptions have been made in the past for local celebrities.
Golf legend and Ohio State grad Jack Nicklaus received the honor in October 2006. Woody Hayes did it in 1983, former heavyweight boxing champion Buster Douglas did the same in 1990 and John Glenn joined his wife in topping off Script Ohio in 2012.
James could be invited to do the same this fall, especially if he attends one of two night games already on the schedule — against Northwestern Oct. 29 or Nebraska Nov. 5.
It is wise to think James will attend at least one of those games because that is usually when Ohio State tries to host as many top recruits as possible, but all depends on his basketball schedule. The NBA slate normally tips off in late October.
Cavaliers Play A Preseason Game At Schottenstein Center
This one is a no-brainer, and will likely be announced later in the summer. Cleveland hosted the Chicago Bulls at Value City Arena in 2014 and the Memphis Grizzlies last year for preseason matchups. It is likely the Schottenstein Center will do the same thing this fall.
If that is the case, expect it to be a hot ticket even for a preseason game because Cleveland won the NBA title. James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and other starters probably won't play much, but should be in town anyways along with the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Cavaliers Are Recognized During The Bowling Green Game
This could happen at any football game this fall, but why not do it at the season opener when it is closest to when Cleveland won the NBA title?
Ohio State hosts Bowling Green at noon on Sept. 3. Meyer could want James and the Cavaliers to get recognized during a timeout throughout the course of the game and then again later in the season during a night game when a host of high-profile recruits are on campus.
Meyer likes to be surrounded by champions and preaches the idea to his team. Inviting the entire Cavaliers team to a game is a good way to do that.
James Speaks At Skull Session Again
If the Cavaliers — or only James — are on campus to be introduced during a timeout, Meyer will probably invite them to the Skull Session before kickoff too.
The football team doesn't spend much time at the Skull Session, just walking through to hear the fight song and so Meyer can say a few words. James did the same thing in 2013.
Announcing that James intends to attend the Skull Session is an excellent way to get more people to the pep rally.
Dan Gilbert, James Speak On Real Life Wednesday
Meyer invited Gilbert to share business tips with his team in April 2015, a banner name as part of his plan to prepare it for life after football. He could look to do that again, except add James into the fold too.
James is a businessman in his own right, monetizing himself with Nike, Kia and a bunch of other endorsement deals. Gilbert is multi-billionaire and the majority owner of the Cavaliers. The two of them make a pretty powerful team in the business world.
Plus, the fact both are involved in sports would help ensure Ohio State's players pay attention to their message.
Again, these are just some ideas Ohio State could enact this year once school starts and football season follows. Nothing is concrete. Hell, even a Cavalier-themed Brutus statue might happen somewhere on campus.
Gene Smith, LeBron James, Thad Matta and Urban Meyer are some of the most powerful men in their fields — and they all reside in the state of Ohio. Nothing is off the table.
