BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PITTSBURGH — Martin County native Trey James will have to wait a little longer to make his debut for his new college team Robert Morris University, located just outside Pittsburgh. James is rehabbing from a stress fracture in his right foot.
The 6-foot-9 sophomore transferred to play for the Colonials after spending two seasons at Iona in suburban New York. James left Martin County High School a semester early to get a jump-start on his college career playing for Rick Pitino during the height of the COVID pandemic.
Last year he was still considered a freshman for Iona.
James talked about his injury and updated his progress last week.
“I am hoping I will be ready to play sometime in January, maybe sooner,” James said. “I actually just met with my doctor and I’m no longer on the scooter. They will X-ray again next week and I might be playing again in two weeks. I’m sure that means practice and easing back into it, but that’s ahead of schedule. I’m excited about that.”
James has been doing shock wave therapy on his foot weekly with the team orthopedic surgeon, according to his mother Dena James.
“He has been lifting weights and doing as much non-weight-bearing cardio on his foot as he can to try to stay in shape,” Dena James said. “They are hoping to have him back on the court in January.”
Once he is back on the hardwood, James hopes to make an impact right away.
“I’m sure it will take some time to get back in game shape, but I hope to be able to contribute as soon as possible,” he said.
James is happy about his transfer to Robert Morris University.
“It’s been a great move for me. I think I fit well into Coach Toole’s system. The injury has been a minor setback but something I will overcome. I’m just ready to get back on the court,” he said.
“The team has been playing well. We played No. 21 Dayton within nine points last week. I think we will be able to make some noise in the Horizon league this year.”
James was considered a four-star recruit coming out of high school, according to ESPN.com. He initially committed to Wake Forest before a coaching change, so he decided to reopen his recruitment.
James owns the Kentucky state career record for blocked shots with 737 and the single-season record with 258. He also broke the single-game with 17 blocks.
As a junior at Martin County High School in 2019-2020, he averaged 14.6 points and 11 rebounds per game. He helped lead Martin County to its first 15th regional championship since 1983 in 2020, but the state tourney was canceled because of the coronavirus.
After his time at Iona, he transferred to RMU in April 2022.
The media guide for Robert Morris states this about James: “He is a physical presence in the low post on both ends of the court, rebounds and block shots, but is also adept as a passer…He possesses the ability to step out and hit the mid-range jumper to help keep opposing defenses honest…He will look for an increased role with the Colonials after transferring from Iona.”
James saw limited action at Iona. He played in 11 games and averaged just over a point per game and one rebound. He hopes to play a major role for the Colonials once his foot heals this season and in his junior and senior seasons.