Maccabi Tel Aviv had more talented and high-quality teams than the one it presented in the 2013/14 season, but few – if any – were as cohesive and cohesive. The heroes of that season, which ended with a sensational win in the European Championship, have kept in touch all these years and remain close friends.
“There was a real camaraderie on that team, a connection that I didn’t have on any other team. The players who played with me at the time became real friends for life, my brothers, and that will last forever,” Sean James said in 2019.
Five years have passed, and the special and cohesive group lost this week the one who was defined as “everyone’s mother” in the group. Melissa James, Sean’s wife, passed away untimely under circumstances that have yet to be determined, leaving the players on that team shocked and grieving. Tyrese Rice, Joe Ingles, Devin Smith and Sylvan Landsberg, who also maintained an active WhatsApp group, must have used it to try to comfort James, the team captain at the time, who was the beating heart of the group and used to host it at his home.
“At the beginning of my season at Maccabi Tel Aviv, I was without my partner, and Shawn and Melissa more or less adopted me. We lived next to each other and I would come to their house all the time. They always took care of me and helped me. They are special people,” said Joe Ingles in the past
A central character in the magical season. Melissa James alongside Sean and their children Screenshot, from Facebook
Melissa James was such a prominent figure that she was even mentioned in Maccabi Tel Aviv’s farewell announcement from the center in 2014. “Sean and his family have been in the State of Israel for 6 years – 3 years in Bnei Hasharon and 3 years in Maccabi, and naturally they became very attached to the place, as also We at Maccabi have become attached to the James family – Shawn, Melissa and the twin sons Brooklyn and Brayden,” it was written at the time.
This morning Maccabi Tel Aviv said goodbye to Melissa definitively and completely. “We send our condolences to the former captain and our dear friend Sean James, following the death of the beloved Melissa. Our hearts are with you at this difficult time, the entire Maccabi family mourns with you. May her memory be blessed,” wrote Maccabi Tel Aviv.
James wrote last night: “I lost the love of my life last night. I won’t be able to respond to all the messages, but I appreciate your prayers. This is a difficult moment for me, for my children and for everyone who knew and loved my dear.”
Last night Delroy James, Shawn’s brother and who himself played in Israel, shared his difficult feelings. “I am completely broken, despairing. God, heal my heart and take this sorrow away from me,” he wrote, and then uploaded a joint photo with Melissa and added: “I love you my sister, rest in peace.”
Maccabi Tel Aviv BC sends its deepest condolences to former captain and dear friend @shawnjamesbk and his family for the passing of beloved Melissa. Our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow and the entire Maccabi family mourns with you. May her memory be blessed 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ETctpSin3A
— Maccabi Tel Aviv BC 🇮🇱​ (@MaccabiTLVBC) April 16, 2024
At the age of 18 in Bnei Hasharon I played with Sean, in my opinion his first year in Israel.
There are no such people. He and his late wife are some of the best people I had the privilege of knowing during my career and we kept in touch even long after.
Even though I was a kid and didn’t play a second, they always gave me a good feeling and confidence, especially Melissa.good people.
so sad. https://t.co/VK8jnxRujB
— Gil Amitay (@GilAmitay) April 15, 2024
Former basketball player Gil Amitai, who played with James in Bnei Hasharon, also paid tribute: “At the age of 18, I played with Sean in Bnei Hasharon, in my opinion his first year in Israel. There are no people like him. He and his late wife are some of the best people I had the privilege of knowing during my career and we kept in touch Even long after. Even though I was a kid and didn’t play a second, they always gave me a good feeling and confidence, especially Melissa. good people. so sad”.