I have been a big Damion James fan. Love his hustle, tenacity, and athleticism. Love that he's a student athlete and I love that he's a Longhorn. But the guy is not playing well right now. It's more than the numbers, too. He's not been a good FT shooter, so the fact that he's shooting in the 50's doesn't surprise me. I also am not surprised that he's been inconsistent offensively. Changing positions does that. What I am disappointed in, however, is the utter lack of feel that he seems to have for playing on the wing. He doesn't show much instinct for attacking the basket and his handles are a big part of the problem. Finishing around the rim is another one. What I'm also disappointed in is his lack of leadership on the floor. He's the most talented player on the team, but he's not being a leader out there. The fact that he was on the bench to close off a too-close-for-comfort win against TSU tells me something. With all of the reports from the summer about how he's improved, how practicing with Durant helped him, I was expecting much more. At this point, I am not seeing him demonstrate a credible SF game. It takes more than hoisting up a few 3's to be a small forward. He really seems like a tweener to me. In college, he's athletic enough to play down low as a 4. Barnes is in a tough position because James is probably more ready to play as a PF than SF, but he's a JR that needs to play the 3 in order to move to the next level.
He's losing his grip on balls that he should handle, like he might be hurt. He has no touch right now, and can't seem to make anything but a dunk or a layup.
I hope he's hurt because it looks like he worked with James Thomas on catching the ball over the summer.
I find myself wanting to see him back in the post. Let's go permanent three guards again, with two of James/Pittman/Atchley.
I think Damion has always had questionable "hands". I'm curious as to how big or small his hands are...but, really, the problem he's having catching passes and rebounds is troubling. And, yes, I'm also leaning towards a 3-guard lineup with James back down low.
i think it's that under armor shirt he's wearing under his jersey. looks weird. go back to the regular tshirt.
I don't know if this has any role in his struggles at all, but ever since he got elbowed in the face against UCLA he's seemed like he's still feeling that blow to head. He seems slow and unaware, and unable to catch passes, or look anything like the old Damion. Whatever it is, I hope he gets over it before March.
