Mike James

Mike James

Mike James is one of the best players that are currently in Europe. His team is Olimpia Milan, one of the best in Italy, and he was very close to bringing them to the EuroLeague playoffs. This season, he has been averaging 19.8 PPG, 6.4 APG, and 3.8 RPG. That’s why James is considered one of the top candidates for the MVP award.

But let’s start with the beginning. Mike James was born on 18 August 1990 in Portland, Oregon and he fell in love with basketball.  He went to high school at Grant in his own city and then he was recruited by Eastern Arizona College. There he had two amazing seasons, averaging 20 PPG and 26 PPG in his rookie and sophomore years.

Therefore, in 2010, Mike James managed to get transferred to Lamar University, an NCAA Division I school. There he again had two great seasons but somehow he was not drafted in the NBA. That’s why Mike James chose to come to Europe, where he signed with Zagreb.

Over 6 years, the point guard has been a true globetrotter going to Israel, where he played at Hapoel Galil Elyon, then to Paffoni Omegna, Kolossos Rodou, Laboral Kutxa Baskonia, and finally Panathinaikos. He had a nice season in Greece and after the year he was called to the NBA where he signed with the Phoenix Suns.

Mike James played 32 games for the team in Arizona before being traded to the New Orleans Pelicans where he entered another 4 games. There he had an average of 9.3 PPG, 3.5 APG, and 2.5 RPG but his contract wasn’t renewed. James decided to return to Europe, resigning with Panathinaikos.

After ending the year in Athens, Mike James left for Italy where he was acquired by Olimpia Milano. This year was one of the best in the American’s career as he is one of the best in EuroLeague. Recently, Liviu Proli, the president of Olimpia Milano, said that Mike James is the best player that the club has had during his tenure. Indeed, the 6-foot point guard has been amazing and it will be interesting to see if he gets the MVP.

If we look at the award, Mike James is a two-time champion in Greece, while he also has a Greek Cup and an Italian Supercup. More than that, in 2017, Mike James has been named the most spectacular player in Greece.

David Istrate
info@brainbasketball.com