Old Coach Who Taught LeBron James Basketball Now Lives in Poverty—Until LeBron Finds Out

For decades, basketball fans have watched LeBron James ascend to the pinnacle of the sport, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players to ever grace the hardwood.

From his early days as a high school phenom at St. Vincent-St. Mary in Akron, Ohio, to his championship runs with multiple NBA teams, LeBron’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Yet behind every great athlete stands a mentor, someone who recognized their potential before the world did.

For LeBron, that person was Coach Thomas “Tom” Jenkins—a man who once nurtured his raw talent, shaped his game, and instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance.

But as LeBron’s star soared, Jenkins’ life took a devastating turn.

The Man Who Helped Build a Legend

Long before LeBron became a household name, Coach Jenkins was the guiding force behind his development.

A former collegiate player turned high school coach, Jenkins had an eye for talent.

He first encountered LeBron at a local youth basketball clinic when the future superstar was just nine years old. Even then, Jenkins knew he was witnessing something special.

“I remember the first time I saw him handle a basketball,” Jenkins recalled in an old interview.

“He had the vision, the footwork, the instincts. But more than anything, he had the hunger.”

Jenkins took young LeBron under his wing, offering him additional training sessions and mentoring him off the court.

More than just a coach, he became a father figure during crucial years of LeBron’s upbringing, teaching him discipline, humility, and the importance of giving back.

But time was not kind to the once-beloved mentor.

A Life Turned Upside Down

Despite his years of service to the game and his contributions to shaping one of its brightest stars, Coach Jenkins found himself struggling financially as he grew older.

The school where he once coached cut its athletic funding, forcing him into early retirement.

With mounting medical expenses and a lack of financial security, he eventually lost his home and was forced to live in a small, rundown apartment on the outskirts of Akron.

His struggles went unnoticed for years. Without close family and with many of his former players moving on to bigger stages, Jenkins suffered in silence.

Friends say he remained proud, unwilling to reach out for help. He spent his days at a local recreation center, occasionally coaching kids for free, still doing what he loved despite his own hardships.

“I would see him sitting on a bench, watching the kids play, just happy to be around the game,” said one community member.

“But you could tell life had worn him down.”

The Moment LeBron Found Out

For a man as dedicated to his roots as LeBron James, it was only a matter of time before he learned of his old mentor’s plight.

The news reached him through a former teammate who happened to visit the same recreation center where Jenkins spent his days.

The moment LeBron heard about his coach’s condition, he sprang into action.

“LeBron was shocked,” said a source close to him.

“He couldn’t believe that the man who had done so much for him was now struggling to afford basic needs.”

LeBron wasted no time tracking down Jenkins. Within days, he personally visited his old coach, a reunion that was as emotional as it was unexpected.

Witnesses at the rec center described the moment as deeply moving, with LeBron embracing Jenkins and spending hours talking with him about old memories, life, and everything in between.

A Gesture of Gratitude

True to his reputation for generosity, LeBron didn’t just stop at a heartfelt visit. He made sure Jenkins’ days of struggling were over.

Through the LeBron James Family Foundation, he arranged for Jenkins to move into a fully furnished home, covered his medical expenses, and ensured that he had financial support for the rest of his life.

“He didn’t ask for help, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t deserve it,” LeBron said in a statement.

“This man played a huge role in my journey. He gave me his time, his wisdom, and his heart when I needed it most. Now it’s my turn to give back.”

Jenkins, overwhelmed with gratitude, struggled to find the words to express his emotions.

“I never expected anything,” he said in a rare interview following the reunion.

“But seeing LeBron, knowing he remembered, that was enough for me. What he’s done now… it’s beyond words.”

The Power of Giving Back

LeBron James’ generosity is well-documented, from funding scholarships for underprivileged students to opening the I PROMISE School for at-risk youth in Akron.

But this particular act of kindness struck a different chord, highlighting the deep connections between mentors and the athletes they shape.

The story of Coach Jenkins serves as a reminder that behind every great success story lies a network of unsung heroes—coaches, teachers, and mentors—who dedicate their lives to nurturing potential.

It also underscores the importance of giving back, of remembering those who helped pave the way.

For Jenkins, life has come full circle.

No longer struggling, he now spends his days mentoring young athletes at LeBron’s foundation, ensuring that the next generation has the same guidance and support he once provided.

As for LeBron, his actions spoke louder than words.

In a world where fame and fortune often overshadow loyalty, he proved that gratitude is not just a sentiment—it’s an action.

And for one old coach, it meant the world.