The development of Jerome James continued with something of a flourish last night. If he keeps it up, everyone else might begin seeing what the SuperSonics already believe.

James, a third-year player who spent last season on the far end of the Sacramento Kings' bench, turned in a workmanlike effort in the Sonics' 103-98 loss to the Utah Jazz in a preseason game played before 5,557 at the Dee Events Center on the campus of Weber State University.

James, a 7-foot-1, 272-pound center out of Florida A&M, gave the suddenly big man-depleted Sonics 22 minutes while backing up starter Calvin Booth. James led all Seattle bench players with 16 points on 7-for-10 shooting. He also had three rebounds and a blocked shot.

James admitted he had a good night.

"It would have been a better night if we'd come out with a victory," he said.

With Vin Baker nursing a strained lower back and rookie Predrag Drobnjak fighting through an ankle sprain, James made the most of his increased minutes.