Roca Team's Mike James Wins Côte d'Azur Sportsman of the Year 2024

Roca Team's Mike James has been honored as the Côte d’Azur Sportsman of the Year 2024, a distinction awarded through a readers' poll conducted by Nice-Matin. James, an American point guard for AS Monaco, triumphed over mountain bike world champion Loïc Bruni by a significant margin, gathering 1,227 votes against Bruni's 863. The accolade, which featured ten notable regional athletes, marks a substantial recognition of James' exceptional year, culminating in his rise from ninth place in previous years' rankings.

James expressed his gratitude for the award, reflecting on the pivotal year and looking ahead to further achievements with AS Monaco. Since joining Monaco’s basketball squad in 2021, James has been a key player, leading the team to another French league title and earning the Finals MVP title. Notably, his performance has also been distinguished on the European circuit, securing him the title of best player of the EuroLeague regular season under the guidance of new coach Vassilis Spanoulis.

This latest accolade underscores James' significant contribution to Monaco's sports landscape and his role in the team's recent successes. Known for his dynamic playmaking and scoring prowess, his recognition as Côte d’Azur Sportsman of the Year not only highlights his individual talents but also underscores the collective achievements of AS Monaco in the competitive world of basketball.