Former Tiger Mays Named NBA D-League Performer-of-the-Week

Dec. 15, 2008

Former Clemson basketball player James Mays was named NBA D-League Performer-of-the-Week on Monday, as announced by the league office. The 2008 Tiger senior averaged 25.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in leading the Colorado 14ers to a 2-1 record over the past week. Mays, the second pick in this year’s draft, is the first rookie to earn the weekly honor.

Mays had an enormous game against Rio Grande Valley on Tuesday of last week when he scored 37 points, tied for the single-game high in the D-League so far this season. He made 14-19 shots, including 5-9 from three-point range, in that contest. He added 11 rebounds for his first of three double-doubles during the week.

On Friday, Mays recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort against the Austin Toros. Six of his rebounds were on the offensive glass, while he also added four blocks and two steals. On Sunday, he had another double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds against Reno. He made 7-8 free throws in the win and also collected three steals and a pair of blocked shots.

For the season, Mays is averaging 24.2 points per game. That figure ranks second among all players in the NBA D-League. He also averages 9.6 rebounds per game, 11th-best in the league.

Mays was a starter on each of the last two postseason teams at Clemson, including last year’s 2008 NCAA Tournament squad. He averaged double figures in both seasons, including 10.7 points per game last year. Mays finished his career as Clemson’s career leader in steals (166) for a frontcourt player. He was a second-team NABC All-District selection in 2007 and second-team All-ACC Tournament choice in 2008.