Mike James: "Everyone Wants Me to Play Until I'm 40"

In the opening match against the Dominican Republic, Mike James delivered an impressive performance with 15 points, 13 assists, and 5 rebounds, contributing to the USA's narrow 82-81 victory. A similar close game against Mexico, ending 92-91, once again saw Mike James playing a pivotal role for the USA, tallying 19 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals.

"It's fun. Honestly, I'm having fun," he told Basketball Sphere. "I'm just trying to enjoy it, get two wins, and do my best performance, without overthinking it, even though it's very serious. I'm just trying to enjoy it. Cool," he commented to Basketball Sphere. "I think, first of all, the arena, the way it was set up, everything was really great. Honestly, we had a good time. The atmosphere was good. The game was good, which also contributes to the atmosphere. And I think we gave the public, and everyone who was watching us, something interesting to watch, and we're happy to have won. And then, you know, obviously, these two, Jean Montero and Andrés Feliz, are great players, and they have a bright future ahead of them. Well after I'm still active, so... (laughs)."

Mike James will turn 36 in August, and naturally, the end of his career is approaching:

"Staying in shape isn't the hardest part. It's just the time away. Honestly, getting through a long season, I think that's the hardest part right now. But I'd say all my teammates and my entourage want me to play until I'm forty. I don't think I'll go that far, but I'm leaving the door open for now. But I think this is the end."