Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Drew Gooden, the 14-year NBA veteran and former Kansas Jayhawk star whose jersey hangs in the rafters at Allen Fieldhouse. In this captivating episode, Drew takes us on his incredible journey from being recruited by Nolan Richardson at Arkansas to his Final Four run at Kansas, and ultimately becoming LeBron James’ teammate during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first NBA Finals appearance. Drew shares jaw-dropping stories about witnessing LeBron score 29 straight points against the Detroit Pistons in the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals and reveals how he knew LeBron since he was just 15 years old. This episode is packed with behind-the-scenes NBA tales, college basketball memories, and the authentic perspective of a player who experienced basketball at its highest levels.

⏰ Timestamps:

(00:00) - Drew’s recruiting story and almost committing to Arkansas

(05:34) - Getting cold feet after committing to Kansas

(12:31) - The star-studded 1999 recruiting class and choosing Kansas

(18:46) - Final Four experience at Kansas and losing to Maryland

(25:22) - Being drafted 4th overall by Jerry West and the Memphis Grizzlies

(31:15) - Getting traded to Orlando and meeting childhood hero Grant Hill

(37:42) - The Carlos Boozer situation that led Drew to Cleveland

(43:11) - Dan Gilbert transforming the Cleveland Cavaliers organization

(50:03) - LeBron’s leadership and championship prediction

(55:47) - The legendary 2007 Eastern Conference Finals against Detroit

(1:05:18) - LeBron’s basketball genius and basketball IQ

(1:12:42) - The Detroit Pistons dynasty being dismantled

(1:29:31) - Rapid fire questions: favorite city, best dunk, best teammate

💡Key Topics:

📌 Drew’s unique college recruitment journey and Kansas Final Four run

📌 Being drafted 4th overall by Jerry West and NBA career beginnings

📌 Playing alongside LeBron James during Cleveland’s first Finals run

📌 Witnessing LeBron’s historic 29-point scoring streak against Detroit

📌 Behind-the-scenes stories of NBA team dynamics and relationships

📌 Drew’s broadcasting career with Justin Kutcher and the Washington Wizards

🏀 About Drew Gooden:

Drew Gooden enjoyed a successful 14-year NBA career spanning 10 different teams, including being a key member of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2007 NBA Finals team alongside LeBron James. A former Kansas Jayhawk star whose jersey hangs in the rafters, Gooden was the 4th overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft and later transitioned into broadcasting, working as Justin’s broadcast partner with the Washington Wizards.

🎙️ About the JustIn Time Podcast:

The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

🔔 Subscribe now on any major platform to never miss an episode of these timeless conversations.

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