Despite receiving numerous scholarship offers from schools rich with basketball tradition such as Connecticut and Syracuse, James surprised everyone by deciding to stay at home and join a UM team that had just completed an 0-18 Big East season.
Little did anyone know this 18-year-old's decision would be the catalyst for the program's stunning ascent to its spot among the college basketball elite.
By playing Hamilton's brand of basket-ball-tenacious defense and all-out energy and hustle-and by improving each season, James has led the Hurricanes to a remarkable swing in his four years.
Before his arrival, the Hurricanes were a combined 17-55 in league play through its first four years in the Big East. Since then, however, Miami has gone 44-30 in conference games, including four consecutive winning seasons.
And this season has marked the culmination of many years of hard work. With a record of 22-6 (15-3 Big East), victories over UConn, St. John's (twice) and Syracuse and a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, Miami has had its most successful season in its history.
This young team has surprised all, rising into the top ten of both polls, by using a stifling defense that allows opponents less than 40 percent shooting from the field.
And at long last, the Hurricanes are receiving the respect they deserve.
Hamilton was recently named Big East Coach of the Year for the second time.
Additionally, the Hurricanes were the only team to have two starters on the First Team All-Big East Team, with James and junior guard Johnny Hemsley earning the honors. James also earned co-Big Player of the Year hon-