Sion James

Sion James grew up in Sugar Hill, Georgia and attended Lanier High School. He started his collegiate career at Tulane, where he started 17 of 23 appearances as a freshman in 2020-21. He became a full-time starter as a sophomore, and his role increased into his fourth year, where he averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals in 36.9 minutes. Following that campaign, attended the CP3 Elite Guard Camp and transferred to Duke for his fifth year. During 2024-25, he was named to the ACC All-Defensive Team, averaging 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.3 blocks in 25.6 minutes. James' improved shooting over his final two seasons gives scouts a lot to think about, as the rest of his game is developed. He's an elite, multi-positional defender who can dribble and find his teammates for open looks. James doesn't project as a primary playmaker, but he's a high-IQ offensive player who makes things happen when the ball is swung to him. Physically, he has NBA size and won't get bullied. If James' jumper is reliable at the NBA level, he could carve out a role right away. Depending on what he's asked to do, comparisons to players like De'Anthony Melton, Bruce Brown and Aaron Nesmith are apt. His multi-positional optionality on both ends of the court will ultimately help him find minutes.