_{A Players Newsletter: Mike James — From Unknown to Unforgettable}

🏀 Mike James: From Unknown to Unforgettable

Mike James’s story is nothing short of legendary. Mike grew up in Portland, Oregon and went to Grant High School. As an undersized guard, Mike was underrated and overlooked. He went to Eastern Arizona College (JUCO) and had an incredible 2 years there.

During his sophomore season at EAC, he averaged 26 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.

James transferred to Lamar University, making the jump to Division 1. He only started 2 of the 24 games during his junior season but still led the team in scoring (he also dropped 52 points in one game).

His senior season, he averaged 17 points and had a 29 point game against the 2012 NCAA Champion, Kentucky Wildcats. He also led Lamar to the NCAA tournament.

After a fantastic college career, Mike turned pro.

Mike’s overseas career, so far, resumed:

• 1 Season with Zagreb (Croatia)

• 1 Season with Omegna (Italy)

• 1 Season with Kolossos Rodou (Greece)

• 2 Seasons with Baskonia (Spain)

• 2 Seasons with Panathinaikos (Greece)

• 1 Season with Milano (Italy)

• 2 Seasons with CSKA Moscow (Russia)

• 1 Season (and Counting) with AS Monaco

Throughout his career this far, Mike James is averaging 16.2 points per game and his shooting FG% is 50%.

Mike has also had a few stops with the Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, and most recently, the Brooklyn Nets.

Mike James was the first player EVER to be converted from a 2-way deal to a regular NBA contract.

Mike is a motivation to hoopers everywhere. Regardless of your current circumstances, with diligent work and the right attitude, you can grow into the player you want to be.

We are definitely rooting for Mike’s continued success. We are always for the players, and especially the consistent and dedicated players, like Mike.

The Corner 3️⃣ of our newsletter will include:

• 1 Quote

• 1 Skill to Work on

• 1 Headline to Learn From

1 Quote:

❝

“The joy we feel has little to do with our circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.” - President Russell M. Nelson

Focus on the positive going on all around us. President Nelson’s insight allows us to reflect about where we dedicate our time and energy.

1 Skill to Work on: 

Developing a Growth Mindset

1 Headline to Learn From: Neymar's Massive Contract

What we can learn from the changing landscape of international soccer:

• Saudi Arabia is willing to go to extremes to land top talent

• Contracts are growing exponentially

• European clubs will have to adjust and look for more ways to incentivize players to stay long-term

• The professional soccer & golf landscape has changed… what’s next? Tennis? Baseball? NBA?… Only time will tell

Thank you for reading this newsletter. Thank you for being A Player.

See you next week! 🙏