Damion James
A powerful and athletic forward who starred for the Texas Longhorns before carving out a global professional career across three continents.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American basketball player·Birthday: October 7·Millennials
Biography
Damion James built his basketball identity on explosive athleticism and a relentless motor. At the University of Texas, he was a cornerstone for some of the program's best teams, forming a formidable frontcourt with Kevin Durant. James was a double-double machine, using his strength and leaping ability to dominate the glass and finish above the rim. Selected in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, his pro journey became a global tour. While his NBA stint was limited, he flourished as a star in top international leagues, from Turkey to Israel to Russia. James became known as the kind of high-energy, physical forward who could change games with his rebounding and defensive versatility. His career stands as a classic example of a player whose talents found their fullest expression and appreciation on the international stage.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Damion was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Damion Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Damion's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the University of Texas's all-time leader in rebounds and games played by the end of his collegiate career.
- Earned First-team All-Big 12 honors in 2010 as a senior at Texas.
- Selected 24th overall in the first round of the 2010 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks.
- Won the Israeli Basketball Premier League championship with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2018.
Did You Know?
He and Kevin Durant are the only Longhorns to record over 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career.
James played professionally in eight different countries, including Turkey, Israel, Russia, and China.
He was known for his distinctive high-top fade haircut during his time at Texas.
“I'm going to outwork you, that's my game.”
