Mike James sets a date for everyone and gets the fans fired up

Anadolu Efes star Mike James, who suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury during the EuroLeague game against Red Star, sent a message to everyone via his Instagram profile.

The American star posted a photo of himself lying in pain on the court, with the caption: “Welp. I’m here now. I’ll check on y’all in 6 months.” The former Olimpia player hopes to return to play next April for the final stages of the EuroLeague.

According to the Turkish club’s projections, Mike James will be sidelined for between seven and nine months: barring any dramatic twists, his season ends here, but in Istanbul—where optimism abounds—they’re dreaming of seeing him back on the court for the EuroLeague Final Four. The surgery was a complete success, and for more precise details on his recovery timeline, we’ll have to wait and see how his post-operative rehabilitation progresses.

The former Olimpia player had bitterly commented on the loss to X immediately after the game: “It really sucks; it’s terrible. Thanks to everyone who sent me messages. I appreciate each and every one of you.” Within minutes, Mike James’s social media profile was flooded with messages of affection and encouragement from fans, teammates, and basketball enthusiasts, all united in the hope of seeing him back on the court soon.