Louisville men’s basketball freshman forward Mike James will miss the 2021-2022 season after tearing his Achilles’ tendon in his left leg Wednesday. Some big things were expected from James, so his loss is going to hurt.
Freshman Mike James suffered a torn Achilles tendon in his left leg in practice on Wednesday and will miss the 2021-22 basketball season.https://t.co/5sxrxn96SU
— Louisville Men's Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) October 7, 2021
James is from Orlando, FL and was a 4 Star talent coming out of Oak Ridge High School. He averaged a double-double last season with 19.4 ppg and 10.8 rpg. He shot 58-percent from the field and 44-percent from the arc, leading his team to the state semis. His efforts led the Orlando Sentinel to name James the boy’s basketball player of the year in the state.
While the injury is quite unwelcome as James appeared to be primed to be a huge rotational piece for the Cards this season, there is at least some depth at the position. However, many Louisville fans were looking forward to seeing this 6’6 athletic forward raining 3s and dunking on opponents this season. The loss of his talent is still very significant.
We at CSZ wish Mike James a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him suit up in 2022-2023. For more information on the unfortunate injury to Mike James, including a quote from Head Coach Chris Mack, check out the press release from UofL below:
Press Release:
Louisville F/C Mike James Out For Season With Injury
Online: https://uofl.me/3ms604S
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — University of Louisville freshman guard/forward Mike James suffered a torn Achilles tendon in his left leg in practice on Wednesday and will miss the 2021-22 basketball season.
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test conducted at Norton Hospital this morning confirmed the injury. He will have surgery on Friday to repair the injury.
“First and foremost, I feel for Mike,” said UofL Head Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Mack. “He’s a phenomenal young man and was poised to have a stellar freshman season. Secondly, I feel for his teammates, coaches, family and friends that have supported him daily. Lastly, I feel for Louisville fans who will miss seeing a terrific addition to our program. I have no doubt however that Mike will be back better than ever next season.”
A 6-6, 195-pound freshman from Orlando, Fla., James averaged 19.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocked shots points per game as a senior last season to lead Oak Ridge High School to a 23-3 record and the state 7A semifinals. The 2020-21 Orlando Sentinel boys basketball player of the year, he was also voted Class 7A Player of the Year in Florida by a panel of coaches and media.
