By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Toledo, Ohio---James Kelly, a 6'8" forward who donned the Express jersey for the Owens men's basketball team from 2011-13, will play in the National Basketball Association's Orlando Summer League July 2-8 for the Charlotte Hornets.
"I'm pretty excited for the opportunity," Kelly said. "I'm looking forward to a chance to make a statement. The journey to this point has been fun. I've learned a lot, and it wouldn't have happened without my time at Owens."
The Hornets will play five games over seven days at the Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League. Aside from the Hornets, the other teams scheduled to compete are the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers and two teams from the Orlando Magic.
Kelly recently graduated from NCAA Division I Marshall University, where he was named First Team All-Conference USA and Conference USA Newcomer of the Year after averaging 20.1 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. Prior to his time at Marshall, he spent one year at NCAA Division I University of Miami (Fla.) in 2013-14, where he averaged six points and 3.7 rebounds per game before transferring to Marshall.
This past April, Kelly participated in the 64th annual Portsmouth Invitational for NBA prospects, where he averaged 11.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. One month later, he also participated in the rookie mini-camp for the Philadelphia Eagles. Ultimately, though, he chose to pursue his baskeball dream in the immediate future despite the football opportunity.
In doing so, he participated in individual workouts with several NBA teams, which ultimately led to the opportunity he currently has.
"James has a ton of talent," said Owens Community College head men's basketball coach Dave Clarke, who was in his first two seasons at Owens while Kelly played. "I always knew he would make a ton of money playing basketball professionally either in the NBA or overseas. This summer will be a great opportunity for him to show the Hornets and other teams what he's made of."
During his time at Owens, Kelly had perhaps the best two-year career in program history statistically. He was named First Team All-Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC), First Team All-Region XII and Second Team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). He closed his career as the only player in program history with at least 1,000 points, 600 rebounds, 100 blocks and 100 steals. He also had 70 career assists.
As a sophomore, Kelly led Owens to a 26-10 record and a berth in the NJCAA Division II Final Four. He averaged 18.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game that season while leading the OCCAC in scoring (21.1 per game) and rebounding (11.4 per game). He also finished third in blocks (1.6 per game) and fourth in steals (2.3 per game). He had 20 double-doubles and one triple-double during the season, posted 38 career double-doubles and was featured on ESPN Sportscenter's Top 10 plays, while also being named an NJCAA Player of the Week at one point.
Kelly, who set the single season records for most blocks (57, 2011-12) and most rebounds (363, 2012-13), also set the career records for most blocks and most rebounds.
Furthermore, Kelly was named the Owens male athlete of the year in 2012-13 and was selected to participate in the NJCAA Coaches Association All-Star game in the summer of 2013, where he tallied 17 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, two blocks and one assist.
Notes
The Owens men's basketball program has sent 20 players to four-year schools in the past five seasons, including the two most recent signees Xavier Cochran (NCAA Division I University of Albany) and Dilyn Good (NCAA Division II Walsh University).
The program began in 1966-67 and will compete in its 46th season next year. They have won over 950 games since then en route to 12 conference championships, eight Region XII championships and two national championships.
Over the past five years, Clarke has led Owens to a 118-44 record, including a 51-13 mark in OCCAC play. He has led the program to a pair of OCCAC championships, one Region XII championship and one NJCAA Final Four appearance.
Stay tuned to Owens Express.com for more info on Kelly as it develops, as well as news about the current men's basketball recruiting class.