Mike James’ great comeback: « The doctor didn’t know if I could reach the same level as before »
After a disappointing EuroLeague final loss with Monaco against Fenerbahçe, Mike James (1.85m, 34 years old) sadly concludes an outstanding European season on a personal level. The American scoring guard averaged 15.9 points, 5.8 assists, 3 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 29 minutes per game in EuroLeague, carrying Monaco on his shoulders all the way to the final.
However, Mike James has come a long way, as he shared on social media: « On June 20, 2024, I had surgery for a herniated disc in my back. My left side was blocked, preventing me from standing straight and causing pain down to my foot, » he describes on Instagram. His surgeon was very pessimistic about his 2024-2025 season, and even about the rest of his career. « The doctor told me I probably wouldn’t return before December, and he didn’t know if I could reach the same level as before. »
« One of the greatest accomplishments of my career«
The future eventually proved the healthcare professional wrong, as Mike James played all 41 of Roca Team’s EuroLeague games this season, as many as Matthew Strazel (1.82m, 22 years old), who is 13 years his junior. The Portland (Oregon) native, wisely managed in Betclic ELITE (18 games played out of 31 possible), including being rested this Wednesday night against Le Mans, can be proud of the progress made in such a short time: « Going through all this to reach the end of the season without missing any EuroLeague games and still being able to compete at the highest level is one of the greatest accomplishments of my career. »
Still in pursuit of his first EuroLeague title, the competition’s all-time leading scorer doesn’t seem satisfied and hints at his future: « Even though we lost, the future is bright and WE will be back. »
To all the Monaco fans and families that made the trip to come and support us. Thank you. I wish we could have gave you a better result.
— Mike James (@TheNatural_05) May 25, 2025
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