Reggie Lewis. Just the name sends chills down the backs of Husky hoops aficionados. In Sunday’s 69-59 win over Binghamton University, Northeastern men’s basketball freshman forward Shawn James replaced the late, great Reggie Lewis as the single season blocks leader here on Huntington.
“It means a lot to me just to get [the single season blocks record] because Reggie Lewis had it,” James said, who was named The Northeastern News Player of the Week.
His historic 68th block came at the 9:03 mark of the second half when he threw back a shot attempt by Binghamton’s Jordan Fithian. James finished the match with six blocks for the game and 70 for the season. With an average of 5.4 blocks per game, James, the second leading shot blocker in the nation, is on pace for 118 blocks, a mark that would be the third most in conference history. Had he not missed six of the Huskies’ games this season for various eligibility reasons, he would be on pace to shatter the Conference record of 139 set by Vermont’s Kevin Roberson in 1991-92.
What is more amazing about James, however, is he is only playing in his third year of organized basketball.
“He’s arguably the best shot blocker in the country,” said NU coach Ron Everhart. “When you look at all the limitations that have been placed on the kid and the limited time he’s played, he’s incredible.”
James isn’t like most young crowed favorites. He’s humble and, more importantly, hungry.
“I want to improve everything,” James said. “I’m not satisfied with any part of my game. From shooting, to dribbling to jumping. And especially not defense.”
Not being satisfied with 5.4 blocks would seem pretty silly for normal players, but ask anybody that’s been around him: he’s not normal.
“Shawn’s become a crowd favorite right off the bat, and I think part of it is because he’s such a personable kid,” Everhart said. “He’s become the greatest shot blocker of all time here in a very short period.”
James will be tested greatly this Saturday when he travels with the Huskies to face off against the conference’s leading scorer and reigning Player of the Year, Taylor Coppenrath. James missed the last meeting with the Catamounts and 6-foot-9 Coppenrath made NU pay with 28 points, the majority of which were scored in the paint; an area he’d be wise to steer clear of with James on the prowl.
– Max Lederman, News Staff
