Mike James discusses all-time record pursuit and best EuroLeague scorers / News - Basketnews.com

Mike James reflects on surpassing Juan Carlos-Navarro in the EuroLeague all-time scoring list, contemplates the competition with Nando De Colo and others, discusses AS Monaco's backcourt depth and ambitions, and addresses talks with FIBA national teams and the Olympic Games.

Credit: D. Lukšta Credit D. Lukšta

December 7, 2013:Mike Jamesgoes off for 31 points in the 3rd Italian League, but his former team, Fulgor Omegna, stumbles against Staff Mantova.

Player of the Game EFF 26 Mike James Points 25 Accuracy 9-17 Rebounds 8 Assists 1

December 8, 2023: Mike James drops 25 points in the EuroLeague road win against Zalgiris Kaunas and surpasses legendary Juan Carlos Navarro for the 3rd spot in the league's all-time scoring list.

10 years have passed, but nothing has changed. James is still orchestrating the symphony of scoring.

Scorers gonna score, they say, and James embraces that truth and elevates it to a consistent art form.

Reflecting on his journey, one can't help but wonder: did James, a decade ago, foresee this incredible turn in his career?

"To be honest, no," he responded toBasketNews' question after the83-79victory at Zalgirio Arena. "I was not even thinking [about it]. I did not have enough knowledge about the EuroLeague to even know like whatever knew what was possible or what could happen. So just having this opportunity to keep playing until this moment and be at this level is a blessing."

Similarly, the EuroLeague and its fans hold it as a blessing to have James in the pack.

In his 10th EuroLeague season, he currently averages a league-leading 19.1 points per game. The recent 25-point spectacle in Kaunas marked his second-best scoring performance this EuroLeague season.

At his current pace, averaging 19.1 points per game, James is projected to surpass Spanoulis in 15 games. However, the competition is not only with the retired Olympiacos Piraeus legend but also with another active player, De Colo.

Top 5 EuroLeague all-time scorers

Pos. Player Points Games 1. Vassilis Spanoulis 4455 358 2. Nando De Colo 4372 285 3. Mike James 4171 256 4. Juan Carlos Navarro 4152 341 5. Sergio Llull 3797 387

"I have a lot of friends who,

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