Oct. 22, 2002

The Miami Heat have a new number for Mike James as the Duquesne alum begins his second season with the NBA team. James, who wore number 12 in his first NBA campaign, is now donning number 7.

After six preseason contests, the Amityville, New York native is averaging 5.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 21.0 minutes off the bench. He was Miami's high scorer with 13 points in the second preseason contest with Minnesota, a 90-85 loss.

The 1998 graduate, who is in 11th place among Duquesne's all-time scorers with 1,411 points, competed with the Heat in the Orlando Summer Pro League. James helped the team to an undefeated 5-0 record. He was third in the league with 2.0 steals per game and fourth with 4.0 assists per contest.

As an example of the type of contribution Mike can make, here are his stats from the Heat's final game on July 13, 2002, a 98-50 win over the Hornets: Started, 20 minutes, 13 points, 5-8 FG, 1-1 3pt FG, 2-2 FT, 1 reb, 4 asts, 2 steals, 0 TO, 1 PF.

James had been signed by Miami in July 2001 but was released prior to the start of the regular season. He was re-signed by the NBA team on Tuesday, Decemeber 19, 2001. In 15 games last season, he averaged 2.8 points, 1.3 assists and 0.9 rebounds before being placed on the injured reserve in April. In his final contest, James had 10 points, five rebounds and two assists in the Heat's 103-89 win over Orlando.

For more information, please check Mike James' In The Pros webpage. click here

Note: A story in Tuesday's Miami Herald states that Mike James might be fighting for a roster slot, noting that "... his contract becomes guaranteed if he makes the opening night roster." more