Mike James has been the undisputed leader of Monaco and is trying to lead the team to the playoffs in its inaugural EuroLeague season.
The American guard has appeared in 28 EuroLeague games this season, averaging 16 points, 2.8 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.3 steals.
Hedge Out travelled to Monaco and spoke with the star guard, prior to the game against Fenerbahce (25/02).
Mike James opened up about his time with Monaco, his relationship with former head coach Zvezdan Mitrovic and how the arrival of new head coach Sasa Obradovic helped him elevate his game.
He also admitted he enjoys living in Monaco and stated it will be disappointing if they don’t make it to the playoffs.
Here is what Mike James said in his exclusive interview with Hedge Out:
On what went wrong with coach Mitrovic: With the previous coach I was playing a lot at 2, off the ball a lot, being used in a way that I am not really used to being used. Maybe it could have worked out better.
On how coach Obradovic helped him return to high playing standards: The arrival of coach Obradovic helped me get back to what I am used to do, playing with the ball, playing a lot of pick ‘n’ rolls, run in transition. He brought back my freedom and style of play.
On whether the last three months have been the best of his career (averaging 18.1 points and 7.1 assists since mid December): It has been certain months in my career when I felt I was playing at a high level. Also right now I am playing at a pretty high level, so it is hard to say what the best exact time period is.
On whether he would pursue a return to the NBA: I don’t care (to go back). I haven’t even thought that far ahead. I don’t make that many plans for the future. I take it season by season.
At the moment, I am here. It is hard enough for me to just get through seasons trying to get the fire, trying to be the player that I can be. So, thinking that far ahead doesn’t seem natural right now.
On life in Monaco and differences with other cities he has lived in: I enjoy life in Monaco. It is different than places like Athens, Moscow, New York. Monaco is really like a small city/country.
It feels like a big ”family”. It feels like if you grow up in a small town and go to the same places, even know people ever since you grow up. It gives you like a real home feeling.
On Monaco being a legit playoff contender: I haven’t thought about it. We definitely have a chance to be in the playoffs. That is definitely one of our goals. And, honestly, I will feel let-down if we are not.Â
We feel we can do it, we should be able to. We will just keep fighting, keep playing hard, take it game by game. We have to give everything to take the home games. We have dropped six at home this season. We definitely have to protect our home court.
Every game is big for us, every game is like a playoff game for us. Hopefully, we can keep that mentality and just keep winning games.
Mike James and Monaco are still within the playoff zone, at 14-14. Next week, they host reigning champions Anadolu Efes (March 11), seeking to return to the winning track and come closer to the postseason.
