Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv’s new center, Shawn James, arrived in Israel today (23 August) and was welcomed by dozens of fans. “My expectation has always been the same: just have everybody be healthy and go out there and compete.”
By Amy Samin
Shawn James, together with his wife and children, arrived in Israel this afternoon and was welcomed by dozens of fans at Ben Gurion Airport. “I’m very excited to join Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv. My expectation has always been the same: just have everybody be healthy and go out there and compete. Once we compete, I think we have a chance to win a lot of games.
” When asked if he would be able to find his place on the expanded team, James said, “Coach wouldn’t have brought me and management wouldn’t have brought me if they didn’t have expectations of me or know how to use me, so I think I’ll find my place just fine.”
“I’m excited to meet Papaloukas; I’ve heard so much about him. I’m excited to meet him just as a person. We all know what type of player he is. I’m excited to see what kind of person he is, off the court.” When asked if he’s ready to play in three leagues, James said, “Yeah, I’m ready. I worked very hard this summer just to prepare my body for this moment and I will be ready.”
James was also asked what he thought about going head to head with Hapoel Jerusalem’s new acquisition, Jarvis Varnado. The center replied, “He’s a high-percentage shot blocker also, but at the end of the day it’s about who’s winning the game. It’s not personal.”
