Kevin Keatts Says It’s Unlikely Mike James Will Play this Season

All year long, Wolfpack fans have been eagerly awaiting Louisville transfer guard Mike James’ debut for the Wolfpack. At the season’s start, it was expected that James would miss only three or four games, or perhaps just the first month of basketball at most.

Clearly, that early prognosis has not materialized. With six games left in the regular season, James has yet to suit up for the Pack.

A couple of weeks ago, NC State Head Coach Kevin Keatts revealed that James had been participating in individual workouts and a few drills with contact. Even then, Keatts was uncertain if it would make sense for James to play this year.

Today, Keatts provided another update on James, and while a return has not been completely ruled out, it seems very unlikely at this point.

I would say we’re getting towards the point where it’s probably not going to happen. We did have conversations last week, and we talked about that.

But, it’s down to a point. It doesn’t make sense talking to Mike. I think he wants to play, but as I speak to the doctor and the trainer, he’s not 100%. What you fear is coming down the stretch with six regular season games, do you throw him out there and then he ends up tearing his Achilles or something else. I would say really, really unlikely at this point.

I haven’t completely ruled it out, but I would say really unlikely at this point.

Last year at Louisville, James averaged 12.6 points and 5 rebounds per game. He was an integral part of NC State’s plans for success this season, and his absence has clearly been felt. The Wolfpack lacks another player on their roster with James’s unique combination of physicality and athleticism.

James, a junior this year, already used his redshirt season during his first year at Louisville. He has another year of eligibility remaining and could return to NC State next season. However, in the ever-changing world of the Transfer Portal, nothing is guaranteed.