LeBron James named USA Basketball Male Athlete of Year

LeBron James named USA Basketball Male Athlete of Year

LeBron James (R) of Miami Heat drives the ball during the NBA China Games basketball game against Los Angeles Clippers in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 14, 2012.

NEW YORK, Jan. 3 -- Miami Heat's LeBron James had been named the 2012 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year after a successful year with one Olympic gold medal and the 2012 NBA championship, the US basketball governing body announced the award at Colorado Springs, Colorado, on Wednesday.

James is one of just two players in the history of the game to win MVP (Most Valuable Player), the NBA championship and the Olympics in the same year, along with Michael Jordan.

"It's an honor that I have been named the 2012 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year," James was quoted as saying by a release of the association. "It's always an honor to represent my country. "

"I never do it to be recognized or to receive an award. I do it because I love my country and the game of basketball. It is an honor to be recognized with this award, it's humbling."

James is now one of three U.S. players to participate in three Olympics. He owns two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) and one bronze (2004).

"LeBron was the central figure on this team," said Mike Krzyzewski, USA and Duke head coach, through the statement. "He was our leader, our best player, our playmaker. He led us in assists, 45 assists and only eight turnovers, and he did that having just won an NBA championship, being MVP of the finals and of the league, so he was very unselfish."

(NEWS.CN)