Check out the new shoes LeBron James sent Ohio State basketball

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 26: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 26, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 26: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts on September 26, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Ohio State will begin a new basketball season with a gift from an old friend.

LeBron James has provided the Buckeyes with a special edition of his shoe for their season opener against Navy on Friday night.

The Buckeyes and Midshipmen are playing in the Veterans Classic in Annapolis.

Coach Thad Matta returns all five starters from a team that won 24 games but missed the NCAA tournament last season.

Four players transferred in the offseason, including former Dayton Dunbar point guard A.J. Harris, but four newcomers have joined the roster.

About the Author