NBA Draft Blog Interview with James Carlton

There has been a lot of talk recently about the so-called “transfer epidemic” plaguing college basketball. Players, for a variety of reasons, often playing time, seek a new school in hopes of an experience more to their liking. What’s not mentioned is the number of players who are forced to transfer through no fault of their own. Howard senior forward James Carlton had to deal with such a situation after his sophomore year at the College of Charleston.

More from Hoops Habit

Halfway through Carlton’s sophomore year at Charleston, Head Coach Bobby Cremins, who recruited Carlton, went on medical leave and retired at the end of the season. During the summer, new coach Doug Wojick visited Carlton at home. While there, Wojick informed Carlton that his scholarship was not going to be renewed, and he’d have to find a new school.

Carlton chose to attend Howard, but due to academic requirements at the school, he had to sit out two seasons because much of his Charleston coursework didn’t transfer. When he finally got back on the court, the 6’8, 225 pound forward made the most of it. He averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds per game, as well as 1 steal and block per game. He had nine games of 20-plus points, including back-to-back games with over 30 points.

Carlton learned a lot about himself as a person over the past few years. “The transition between the two schools was a reminder that I needed to get back on track, “said Carlton. “In the long run, leaving Charleston for Howard was a blessing in disguise.”

As Carlton gets ready to embark on his pro career, he believes that there are parts to his game which should appeal to teams, and translate to the next level. “I can bring teams a very mature player with a high basketball IQ,” Carlton explained. “Plus, my athleticism and ability to knock down jump shots will be important.”

He also realizes that there are some areas where he will need to improve to be the best player he can be. “To play at the next level, I need to do a better job with my ballhandling, and using different moves to get open,” Carlton said. “It’s a more physical game, and I will need to get stronger.”

While some may feel that they have been hindered from playing in a smaller conference, Carlton sees it differently. “Playing the MEAC, the defenses were very good at pressuring the opposition’s top player,” said Carlton. “It became a lot harder to put the ball on the ground and get to the basket when always getting double-teamed.”

Carlton doesn’t let playing at a small school deter him though. “I knew it going in that players at bigger schools will have an edge in getting noticed,” said Carlton. “All I can do is make the most of where I am.”

Though he has yet to work out for teams, let alone join a pro team, Carlton knows what kind of role he could play right away for any team he plays for. “I think I can use my athleticism to come in and make an impact on the boards,” Carlton said. “Also, I can step in and knock down jumpers.”

Carlton is looking forward to the next step in his basketball career, and he is ready to show teams why they should take a chance on him. “I’m very passionate about the game, and I’ve been blessed to be able to play it at a high level,” Carlton said. “I’m ready to make an impact in any way a team needs me to.”

Follow me on Twitter – @NBADraftBlog

Email me – Ed (at) NBADraftBlog.com