After a one-year hiatus the Brandon Bobcats men’s basketball team is pleased to welcome back 2010-2011 team Most Valuable Player Isaiah James. The 6-foot-7, high-flying forward soared into Brandon in September of 2010, leading the team in field-goal percentage, steals, and blocked shots in his first season as a Bobcat. Add those stats to a number of highlight-reel dunks, and James is sure to give Bobcat fans something to cheer about this season.
“We’re really looking forward to having him back. From a coaching stand-point I think we really missed his leadership and his ability to get out in transition,” says Bobcats head coach Gil Cheung. “I know Isaiah is really excited to return, and he brings a lot to the table for us. We missed an inside presence this season and with the personnel we’ve brought in and the young players that we’re currently developing having him back will really help us.”
The product of San Jose, California will enter his fourth-year of eligibility and is expected to anchor a solid front-court for the Bobcats.
“Isaiah is one of the best defenders in the country and I think he fits in perfectly on the offensive end. A lot of our current players are able to create and get Isaiah some easy looks and hopefully some exciting plays down low.”
After sitting out last season for personal reasons, James is excited to return to Brandon and what he refers to as his “Canadian home”.
“I missed it. I didn’t miss winter in Canada, but I really like the people in Brandon,” says James. “I was talking with Jordan (Reaves) a lot and he was pushing for me to come back. I’ve made great friends in Brandon, it’s a great community, a great school, and I’ve always felt real comfortable in Brandon.”
James adds that watching last year’s version of the Bobcats come together made his decision to come back an easy one.
“I definitely kept my eye on the team, and the pieces that coach Cheung has put together. My ultimate goal is to win a championship and help build Brandon into the team that people remember, but first and foremost I want to have a successful season as a team.”