Former Brisbane Bullets import James Batemon has lived a life far bigger than basketball – from fleeing a country in the midst of war to dropping a franchise-record 51 points during NBL25.
Batemon, 28, shared his remarkable journey on Episode 4 of NBL: Alumni, where past imports open up about their careers in Australia and abroad.
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After college, Batemon bounced across Europe – Latvia, Greece, Germany and France – playing for six different clubs. His stint with Ogre in Latvia ended abruptly after the COVID-19 shutdown, and the following years became a whirlwind of short-term stops.
His path eventually led him to Israel with Ironi Kiryat Ata – an experience that changed him forever once the conflict in Gaza began.
“I was there before the season started. The war started and it was tragic. We were stuck,” Batemon said.
“All the players were trying to get home. Some Americans made it out, some flights were delayed… it was a tough time.”
Being away from his fiancée (now his wife) and young son made the situation even harder.
“They were going to come in the second half of the year. But after everything happened, I said, ‘You know what, I’m going to finish the year there on my own.’”
Despite finally landing in a league he believed could elevate his game, the reality of living in a conflict zone wore heavily on him.
“It was a real sacrifice. It showed a turning point in my career – how bad I wanted it. But it was hard to focus on basketball when people were losing their lives and being kidnapped. I’m away from my family, risking my life as well. It showed how much I love the game and how dedicated I was to leveling up,” he said.
The danger sparked difficult conversations at home with his family.
“I couldn’t convince my wife to come back. There were long nights, arguments, frustration… I wanted my career to take off and felt like this was the step.
“She kept telling me, ‘Life is bigger than basketball.’ That was tough for me.”
Yet despite the circumstances, Batemon still speaks glowingly about Israel.
“I enjoyed the league, loved Israel. I tell people all the time – it’s my favourite country I’ve played in. It’s beautiful. It’s unfortunate they’re going through times like that,” he said.
Fast-forward to November 17, 2024. Batemon entered Brisbane’s matchup with Perth having come off the bench in six straight games. But an untimely injury to Casey Prather opened the door for him to start – and he had zero intention of wasting the opportunity.
What followed was historic.
Batemon exploded for 51 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and shot an incredible 19-of-28 (67.9%), including nine threes, in a 105–84 win – one of the greatest offensive performances the NBL has seen in the modern era.
“The crazy thing is, I was so locked in I didn’t even notice until I had about 37,” he said.
“Every shot was flowing. I’m hitting everything, I’m engaged – but I’m also trying to prove a point.”
Coming off the bench, a slow start to the season, and some nagging injuries had fueled him.
“I was trying to prove a point. You’re feeling healthy? Show them now.”
The reality that he was closing in on 40 – let alone 50 – didn’t truly hit him until the second half, and it took an assistant coach to push him toward the record.
“I had a good first half, so I wasn’t thinking anything of it. Then in the second half, first shot goes in, teammates are finding me, everything’s flowing.”
Once he cracked 40, the entire bench was locked in.
“I get to 40… then 45. And I think it was D-Mac [Darryl McDonald] who came to me first. He’s like, ‘Listen, you got 45, man – go for the record. The record’s 49. Derek Rucker’s got it.’
When he said that, then I started thinking about it.”
Hawks take 15-point win against Bullets | 00:54
With 48 points, Batemon knew he was close.
“I’m like, ‘Forget it.’ Maybe I don’t get 50, but I’ll never forget this night.”
And then came the moment.
“On the last play, I split the defense, Euro-stepped… and I’m glad the refs kind of saved me with the foul call. But I wasn’t missing that layup. I was getting 50.
They just helped me finish the record.”
Now playing in Spain for Hipios Lleida, Batemon says a return to the NBL is absolutely on the table – and something he genuinely wants.
“The Brisbane fans were great. I loved them. They showed me what home was. NBL fans as a whole were amazing.”
Batemon made it clear the league left a lasting impression on him.
“I’ll for sure be back in the NBL. The league is professional, the fans… I loved every arena I played in. You all love the game. You all loved me.”
The support he received – both in the highs and the lows – is something he hasn’t forgotten.
“You showed support through my struggles and through my explosions. So yes, hopefully I’ll be back. I don’t know when, I can’t put a timeline on it. But I’d definitely love to return before it’s all said and done.”
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