Sion James, a four-star transfer from Tulane, has announced his commitment to Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils while withdrawing from the 2024 NBA Draft, as he revealed to 247Sports.
“I chose Duke because it offers me the opportunity to make an impact on winning and compete under the brightest lights in college basketball,” stated James. “I’ll be working with a talented, experienced staff that knows how to win games and develop players, and I’ll have the chance to play alongside some of the most talented players in the country.”
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 210 pounds, the shooting guard averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists this season with the Green Wave, shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc.
James, with one year of eligibility remaining, strengthens Duke’s backcourt with his size, strength, and athleticism, offering versatility on both ends of the court and bringing veteran experience to the team in today’s increasingly mature college basketball landscape.
Duke Nation, what's good??? pic.twitter.com/OpbkahzVJj
— Sion James 🎈 (@SionJames14) May 10, 2024
He becomes the ninth addition to Duke’s 2024-25 roster, which features only two returning players in Caleb Foster and Tyrese Proctor.
With six freshmen incoming, Scheyer has evidently sought out proven veterans in the transfer portal, aiming for a blend of two-way versatility.
James is noted for his physicality as a guard, capable of knocking down spot-up threes, attacking the rim, and drawing fouls with his assertive drives.
Last season, James boasted a field goal percentage of 51.4% and made 139 trips to the free throw line.
Joining James on Duke’s list of newcomers are Cooper Flagg (No. 1), Khaman Maluach (No. 3), Isaiah Evans (No. 13), Kon Knueppel (No. 17), Patrick Ngongba II (No. 18), Darren Harris (No. 51), along with Mason Gillis (From Purdue) and Maliq Brown (From Syracuse).
