The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Longhorns spotlight: Damion James
01.27.2007 | Men's Basketball
Damion James is all smiles around his teammates, but if you happen to ask him about the season he's had so far, you'll see a little different reaction.
"I know I've got a lot of areas to improve on," James said, "But I love being a part of this team and this program."
At face value, James' self-assessment seems a little harsh considering his performance this season. He has started every game, averaging nearly seven points and eight rebounds. Once you get to know him, however, you notice that his words more effectively illustrate the characteristics that make him such a valuable part of the Longhorns basketball team.
In talking with James, two things are realized very quickly. He places a high premium on winning, and he's ready to do whatever is necessary to help this team win.
"There are some top-of-the-line guys [at Texas], and I just love it here," says James, one of seven freshmen on this year's squad. "We're having fun and doing what we need to do. Helping this team win, that's my main focus. I'm not really concerned with individual stats."
James doesn't just talk about making his team better, either. With a number of stellar newcomers on the court for the 2006-2007 season, he was asked by the coaching staff to take on a different role than the one he was accustomed to in high school. It was a challenge James jumped into, and he's committed much of this season to improving his all-around game.
"In high school, Damion always had the ball in his hands, or was just one pass away from it," noted assistant coach Russell Springmann. "Now, he's screening, running the floor, and he's getting offensive rebounds to score most of his points."
Given that James had been averaging around 25 points and 13 rebounds a game over his final three years of high school, some players may have resisted the change. James is not one of them.
"I fit in [at Texas] just right, but I've got to work a lot harder now, because it isn't easy playing in the Big 12," James said.
"He's never been bothered by the change, he's always just wanted to do whatever is necessary to help us win," Springmann added.
The change has not always been a smooth one, but there have been flashes throughout the season where James has excited both fans and coaches alike with the potential he possesses.
"He's work worked hard from day one," Springmann said. "He's been really good for us, but he can do more, be more consistent. He's going to be a tremendous player for us."
For a peak at what James can do, look no further than the early-season, Elite Eight rematch between LSU and Texas, a game the Longhorns ended up winning, 76-75 in overtime. In that contest, James opened up with a monster dunk and then helped limit LSU star Glen Davis to just three points in the first half. Overall, James notched his first double-double with 10 points and a season-high 13 rebounds.
James credits Longhorns strength and conditioning coach Todd Wright with helping him fight through some of his freshman frustrations. Improving his physical stamina is a goal, but Wright has also made a significant difference in strengthening his confidence.
"As much as Coach Todd has done for improving my body and getting me physically ready to play, he's been a bigger help in working on the mental side with me," James said. "He's been a great help in improving my confidence, both as a player and a person."
Even with the physical tools James possesses, the gains he makes off the court may prove to be the most important in helping the team reach its goals.
There is one thing that James does know for sure. There is a lot of basketball left, and as long as he's with his teammates, he's going to keep on smiling.
