Pablo Laso: “Most of the time, only Mike James can stop Mike James”

Anadolu Efes head coach Pablo Laso recently discussed the importance of Mike James, one of the Turkish club’s major offseason additions.

(via SKWEEK)

“He has always been a winner and he also played in the NBA. That is why Efes will naturally be considered by many as ‘Mike James’ team.’ As a coach, I obviously know that every team will try to stop Mike. It certainly won’t be easy, because most of the time, the only person who can stop Mike James is… Mike James!

“He is a great player, but we cannot be only his team. We are not going to toss a coin and simply expect him to make every shot. Obviously, I hope he makes every shot, but if that doesn’t happen, we as a team have to be ready to support him at all times.”

James, who recently turned 36, spent part of the summer with Team USA at the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifiers. In four games, he averaged 14 points, 9 assists and 2.3 steals in 29 minutes per game.