James Michael McAdoo to sign with Sun Rockers Shibuya

Former Tar Heel James Michael McAdoo recently signed a deal with Sun Rockers Shibuya, a Japanese professional basketball team based out of Tokyo. The Sun Rockers, sponsored by Hitachi, are a member of Japan’s B.League. They recently won the Emperor’s Cup Title after defeating the Kawasaki Brave Thunders, 78-73.

McAdoo played for Carolina for three years (2011-2014), accumulating career averages of 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 1.2 steals. He earned second team All-ACC honors during each of his final two seasons. McAdoo decided to turn pro after his junior year, and although he went undrafted, he was soon picked up by the Golden State Warriors.

McAdoo spent a few seasons with the Warriors and even managed to pick up a couple NBA championship rings (2015 and 2017), but his role with Golden State was never especially significant. In 2018, he signed a two-way with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he spent most of his time with the organization’s G League counterpart, the Delaware 87ers. It was after this that McAdoo decided to take his game overseas, as he’s spent the last couple years playing for clubs in Europe and Asia.

The Sun Rockers will likely present McAdoo the opportunity to compete for championships while also being able to truly showcase his basketball abilities. Ironically, the team’s current leading scorer is a former rival of his, Ryan Kelly, who played at Duke from 2009-2013. Hopefully McAdoo is able to find his niche in this next chapter of his career.