For five years, the Chosen 1’s Invitational has asked one question, inspired directly by King James: who is ready to be great?

This year, the Chosen 1’s asks that question in more cities than ever. The first city up is New York. 

LeBron has been connected to New York for more than two decades. Recently, he’s lit up the World’s Most Famous Arena for a 50-ball and clutch comeback wins and dimes that don’t seem possible and dunks that rewrite the laws of gravity. Before that, he was seen at the holy grounds of 155th Street. And, as a 17 year old, he popped up at an iconic tournament in Queens, where the impending greatness was never questioned—it was promised. His performance that day was wild. A violent swat of a rejection by a foolish opponent and a dunk that started on the left side of the rim but finished on the right side of it, reverse style. He was co-signed by the city’s number one lyricist, that author out of Marcy Projects and he was boys with the city’s number one point guard, that lightning bolt out of Coney Island. Bron’s roots in New York run deep. 

He also started sponsoring the famed powerhouse of Queens, Christ the King High School, in 2008. CTK plays host to this year’s Chosen 1’s Invitational on December 10. The second game to tip off will be the boys matchup at 7:00 PM when the Royals of CTK and the St. Raymond Ravens get active. Click here to attend the event. 

This crosstown matchup sees senior NaJay Bess lead the Ravens from the Bronx to go at junior Malachi Hudson. Both can score and rebound, while both teams will provide constant pressure all game long. And be on the lookout for CTK’s class of ’28 scoring machine Aaron Ellis. It’s gonna be a battle of wills. 

Expect CTK to be decked out in LBJ history. The Nike LeBron 23 will be on court and there will also be a pep rally the day before the games go down. 

When the lights are bright at CTK this Wednesday, one of these teams will carve out their place in history. Who will wear the crown? Who is ready to be great? Let the game choose. 

And next up, the 2025 Chosen 1’s Invitational will be landing in the city LeBron currently calls home.