Kevin Keatts Gives an Injury Update on Mike James

Junior Guard Mike James, who transferred to NC State this offseason from Louisville, has yet to play through three games because he had to have a minor knee scope surgery.

After the Wolfpack’s exhibition game against Lees-McRae on October 31st, NC State Head Coach Kevin Keatts had this to say about James’ status:

Mike’s going to be out for about three or four games, maybe, hopefully. I don’t know.

He had to get his knee scoped. Nothing major, but, you know, I don’t know. I would expect him to be out maybe the next two or three weeks, could even creep up to four weeks.

Obviously at this point, James has already missed the Wolfpack’s first 3 games. Keatts’ forecast of James missing 3 or 4 games, as well as 2-4 weeks, was a tad confusing.

NC State has already played 3 games in the first two weeks. After Week 3, the Wolfpack will have played 5 games. Four weeks equals the first 7 games.

Last night, after the Wolfpack’s 82-70 win over Coastal Carolina, Keatts gave another update on the status of James.

I don’t have a clear update.

I would say two and a half, three weeks. You know, I look forward to getting him out there. He’s a 6’5″ strong wing that’s played a lot of basketball, and we’re missing him, and you just don’t realize this.

Two-and-a-half weeks would have James missing the next 5 games, and 3 weeks would have him missing the next 6.

If he misses the next 2.5 weeks, that means he will be out for the Rady Children’s Invitational in San Diego (#13 Purdue & Ole Miss/BYU) and the Wolfpack’s game against Texas in the ACC/SEC Challenge. If he misses 3 weeks, he would also miss the ACC opener against FSU.

In my opinion, I think James is an integral component to NC State’s success this season. I was hopeful that James would be back for the Wolfpack’s opening game in the Rady Children’s Invitational against the Boilermakers.