The Floyd Street Tribune: The emergence of Mike James

Inside: How Mike James has emerged a nice roster piece for Louisville's future. Plus! The return of the ACC Super League.

Thanks so much for sticking with me through a difficult season. Promise I’m trying to keep things entertaining amid the struggles — this is coming out later on Thursday to allow for me to have a conversation with Mike James.

Miss the previous newsletter? I wrote about the difficult debate between fans who expect more from Louisville and those who see progress amid the struggle. For just $7 a month, paid subscribers receive each newsletter in full and have access to each newsletter via the main TFST page.

Readers of this newsletter know I have been tooting the horn for Mike James since I first saw him play at an October 2021 practice. My eye is always drawn to players who are physical but in control, fearless and still skillful — and having fun doing all that. That’s what James looked like.

An Achilles tendon rupture set James’s college career back a year, but it was only that — a disruption to what is a potentially bright run at Louisville. The 6-foot-5 redshirt freshman worked his way back through this past summer and joined the team for full activity in October.

Now we’re seeing what James can do and what he can be. What I see, especially in the past four games, is the emergence of a really nice player for Louisville’s future, whatever that looks like. Not just because of his efficiency — James has a fantastic effective field-goal percentage (55%) — but also because of his attitude and personality. Locker rooms need good influences, and teams need efficient, productive players. That makes Mike James a win-win for Louisville, no matter how much the Cards are struggling this season.