[JokersWild24]

To anyone who knocks playing professionally overseas-- the Euro leagues are typically six figure jobs where the salary is often tax free with housing, transportation, and other accommodations also included. A six figure income that is tax-free and leaves you with little to no expenses is a pretty sweet gig and will leave you in a better position financially than a cup of coffee on a two-way contract in the league. As alluded to above, a decade career in Italy will leave you financially set for life if you are smart with your money.

For anyone that is automatically dismissing him, Pitino and Danny Manning saw something in him. Pitino has had guys like Scott Padgett who plenty would have laughed at the thought of them playing professionally when they were in high school, much less being a first round draft pick who played for four teams over six or so years. James probably has more physical tools than Padgett based on his height. Not saying he'll play professionally, or will even play a game for Iona, but I'm not saying he won't either.