How Ke’Shunan James became the best player in Slovakia

For the past three years, Ke’Shunan James, a member of Murray State Hall of Fame who played for the Racers from 2014 to 2018, has been playing in Slovakia, where she has won three championships in a row. Last season, she took her game to another level, earning Finals MVP, Player of the Year, Forward of the Year, Import of the Year and All-Slovakia First Team honors. Playing for Piešťanské Čajky, she averaged 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.0 steals per game. We talked to her about her career so far, basketball in Slovakia and future plans.

What was your first love: softball, volleyball or basketball? How did basketball manage to win?

Softball had my heart first because my mom played it. What was the biggest reason I started? I wanted to be like her. Then, I became really good at it and my career got off. Basketball was the choice because I figured out that I could go further in the sport, like I’m doing now. Softball stopped in college, basketball didn’t.

What was the basketball culture like in Tennessee when you were growing up?

The basketball culture was OK, not like most places. If you played, then you played; if you didn’t, then you didn’t.

What do you remember about high school ball and committing to Murray State?

High school ball was fun for me. I enjoyed it very much. I became really close with my coach and he helped me with sending film to colleges and pushing me to the next level. Once I committed, I was ready to prove myself. I felt like I had a lot of odds stacked against me so I needed to work hard.

As the OVC Freshman of the Year, you were second on the team in scoring, averaging 15.4 points per game. How did the older players feel about it?

Being the best player as a freshman was hard for me. I think I didn’t have much support from my teammates and I learned early that I was alone. So I just adapted and kept going.

You led the OVC in scoring your junior year. Was that big for you?

It wasn’t enough for me. I have always been my biggest critic and so once I did something or broke a record, I was always looking for the next thing to do. I was in competition with myself.

In 2018, your senior season, you were named the OVC player of the year.

I felt like I should have won this award two years in a row. I deserved it twice. I’m grateful for the award, but they should have given it to me my junior year as well.

Not going to argue with that. Were you always this confident in your talent and abilities? Or was that something that you had to develop because of circumstances?

I think growing up my mom and dad helped me be confident. They always told me to bet on myself. I worked very hard from a very young age. I practiced every day, even on my off days. Nothing was ever given to me! I got everything I have now from pure work. So I think my confidence is knowing that I will put in the work to make it happen for myself. Never asked for a hand out and never got one. So I am confident in my abilities.

Then you went on to play in Greece, Mexico and Ukraine. Can you rate those experiences?

Greece was my favorite country, the people, the weather, the food, everything was great. [In] Mexico, [the] basketball was good; I wish I was there the whole season because maybe it would have been a better experience. Ukraine? I loved the money. That’s it.

Three years ago you moved to Slovakia. What did you know about the country prior to your move there?

The only thing I knew about Slovakia was that I played against one of their teams when I was in Ukraine. I took a chance and now I’m a triple champion, so I’m happy with the results.

In the 2021-22 season you suffered a knee injury. Instead of cutting you, your club kept you on the roster and helped you recover.

It was my first big injury and it almost broke me. I cried every day and never thought I would be the same. I’m grateful for my club Čajky because they all took very good care of me and made sure I came back stronger. Everyone thought I was out for the entire season, but I pushed myself and came back during playoffs and helped win the first-ever championship title in club history.

What about this season?

It was a little bit sweeter for me to win this year because we had a lot of haters. We had some teammates that left to go play for Banská and thought the grass was greener on that side. So to win and not only win, but we won 3-0, was even sweeter and made me very happy.

Staying on the same team for three years is rare for US players in Europe, let alone winning three championships in a row. Is there mutual trust between you and the club?

I’m doing what’s best for my career. This is not anyone else’s career so I’m doing what’s best for me. Also they take care of me and I’m not in a bad situation at all.

Any regrets about your career, like not making the WNBA? At least not yet that is.

I’m happy with my career right now. I’m playing well, I hope to continue. I’m with a solid team with a solid coach. I hope to continue with another great season. If I have a chance to play in the WNBA, I would gladly do it, but I’m very happy with my career right now as well.