From High School Hero to College Courts: The Trey James Journey

About the Guest(s):

Trey James is a prominent figure in the realm of high school basketball known for his exceptional shot-blocking ability. A graduate of Martin County High School in eastern Kentucky, Trey achieved remarkable records in shot-blocking during his high school career. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, he is recognized for setting the state record with 17 blocked shots in a single game, which is a feat shared with two other players. Trey continued his basketball journey at Iona College under the mentorship of renowned coach Rick Pitino before later transferring to Robert Morris, where he concluded his college basketball career.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of Kentucky Sports Memories, host Gary Fogle takes us on a journey through the remarkable high school basketball career of Trey James, a distinguished shot blocker from Eastern Kentucky. Known as the "King of Swat," Trey's impressive defensive prowess not only earned him state recognition but also propelled him to the college basketball scene. With in-depth insights and personal anecdotes, this episode delves into Trey's career milestones, including his achievements at both high school and college levels.

The episode explores Treys journey from being a tall kid uninterested in basketball to becoming a state record holder in shot-blocking. Gary Fogle sheds light on how Trey was inspired by a call from legendary coach Rick Pitino to join Iona College early, foregoing his senior season. Trey shares how the fast-paced nature of college basketball under Pitino was both a challenge and a learning experience, ultimately leading to his transfer to Robert Morris. This narrative not only highlights his shot-blocking skills but also offers a glimpse into his evolving passion for the game and aspirations.

Key Takeaways:

Trey James set multiple state records in Kentucky high school basketball for shot-blocking, including 17 blocks in a single game.

His shot-blocking success began in the eighth grade and rapidly became a defining aspect of his playing style.

Trey's unexpected early college entry at Iona College came at the request of Rick Pitino, shaping his initial college basketball experiences.

The transition to college basketball, particularly adapting to the speed and intensity of Rick Pitino’s coaching style, was a significant challenge for Trey.

Despite not completing his high school senior season, Trey amassed an incredible 737 career blocked shots, one of the highest in Kentucky high school history.

Notable Quotes:

"If you get five, six blocks a game, that's 10 or 12 points you're stopping the other team from getting."

"It was hard to tell Rick Pitino No when he called and wanted me to come early."

"The speed of it was more of the adjustment than anything..."

"I'd like it to stay just in the 15th region because it's been here for the better part of four or five decades."

"I just started getting more enjoyment out of playing. It was fun... I just had a good time doing it."

Resources:

Iona College - Learn more about the institution where Trey began his college basketball journey: Iona College Athletics

Robert Morris University - Discover more about the university where Trey continued his basketball pursuits: Robert Morris Athletics

Stay tuned to Kentucky Sports Memories for more enthralling stories and memorable figures in the world of sports. Don't miss the full episode for a deeper understanding of Trey James's inspiring basketball journey!