Mike James comes out of strike for Roca Team's title decider in Paris
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
With Matthew Strazel suspended for Game 5 of the Pro A final, Mike James has ended his playing strike and will wear number 32 tonight in Paris.
Tonight's fifth and decisive game of the French Pro A championship final takes a dramatic turn after Mike James confirmed he will return to the court for Roca Team. The American guard, who had been on a self-imposed playing strike, reversed his decision following the suspension of teammate Matthew Strazel by league authorities ahead of the crunch match at Paris.
In a gesture that has already captured attention across the basketball world, James will wear the number 32 shirt, Strazel's own number, for the contest. The move puts one of the most gifted and unpredictable players in European basketball back at the heart of Monaco's title challenge on the biggest night of the domestic season.
For Roca Team and their supporters, the stakes could not be higher. A win in Paris would deliver the French championship to the Principality. James's return, however it came about, gives Monaco a renewed chance of lifting the title.