Bernard James takes an unusual route to reach the NBA – NBA Update
At the age of 27, Bernard James became the oldest basketball player to be drafter in the NBA in the past 20 years when he was picked up as the 33rd overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers and then
traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
Before trying to make it in the NBA, James was an officer of the United States Air Forces. He enrolled at the age of 17 and was made a staff sergeant, while serving three tours in Iraq, Afghanistan and Qatar.
James started playing basketball while he was in the Air Force and got a scholarship at the University of Florida on the basis of his talent. Initially, all he wanted was to graduate with a degree and make his parents proud. All
basketball at that point was an avenue to land a scholarship. But James showed considerable improvement during his two years at Florida State and drew the attention of coaches and scouts all over the country.
However, it did not come that easy.
At 27, James is much older than the rest of the Draft class and has had to answer questions about his expected life in the NBA wherever he has gone. He understands that since he only started playing basketball a few years ago,
he does not have the same mileage that other players at 27 would have and therefore will be able to play well into his thirties. Plus, he feels his experiences in life have given him an edge over the other players.
“I'm 27 but I haven't been playing basketball as long as most of the guys in the draft. I don't have all that wear and tear on my body. I'll be able to play later into my 30s than most of these guys will be able to. My career will
be a little shorter than theirs but not as much as my age difference is,” said James.
James improved during the two years he played at Florida State but still knows his limitations as a basketball player and realizes which areas he needs to improve. He is a good rebounder and shot blocker but needs to contribute
on the offensive end.
Additionally, at 235 pounds, James feels he needs to add another 15 to 20 pounds to be able to play centre in the NBA.
“At 250, I think that'll be my sweet spot where I don't slow down at all and I'll still be able to jump as high as I need to. Just added strength,” added James.
James had visited 12 different teams for try outs in the weeks leading up to the draft and now, he is part of the team that won the NBA championship last season and is home to players like Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and Vince Carter.
It has been a long road filled with ups and downs for the centre but he realizes he is as close to his dream now as he has ever been.
"This is what I've worked for. Once I get in, my goal will be to move up on the list -- sixth man, starter, all-star. I'm going to keep setting goals, and when I reach them, I'll set another goal higher,” said a motivated James.
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