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’s ties to New York go back more than 20 years. He shared connections with an electrifying local hero, a point guard out of Coney Island. He got co-signed by a legendary hip-hop pillar, a superstar out of Marcy Projects. He pulled up to the hallowed grounds on 155th Street in Washington Heights with the both of them. He played in an iconic tournament in Queens as a 17 year old, soaring through the air and swatting shots, giving the crowd there a glimpse of the greatness they’d end up seeing at the World’s Most Famous Arena. On the blue and orange court, he’s shown the city time and time again how great he is. A 50-ball, an insane fourth-quarter comeback, mind-warping dimes and gravity-breaking dunks and so much more. 

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 first game to tip off will be the girls matchup at 5:30 PM when the Lady Royals of CTK and the Saints of Neumann Goretti High School out of Philadelphia get active. Click here to attend the event. 

The star of that duel will be Olivia Vukosa. The city knows her as Big O and the world knows her as the next anchor of the squad in Storrs. Vukosa is a do-everything big with an automatic touch around the rim and out to the three-point line. She’s joined by a super tough backcourt of Josie Pinnock and Ari Lopez, the epitome of NYC ballplayers who can both handle and score. 

The Saints had an impressive 26-4 record last season and come into Queens as the 16th ranked high school girls team in the nation. Highlighted by Regina Baker’s scoring and senior Kamora Berry’s leadership, this team always operates at a high level. 

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.