Duke University’s basketball program is no stranger to excellence, consistently fielding competitive teams season after season. However, as the landscape of college basketball evolves, so do the strategies for building winning teams. In a bold move aimed at balancing experience with youthful talent, Duke’s pursuit of becoming an older team took a significant step forward with the addition of seasoned guard Sion James.
James, a 6-6 guard who honed his skills over four seasons at Tulane, announced via social media his decision to utilize his fifth and final season of eligibility to join the Blue Devils’ ranks. Despite testing the waters of the NBA Draft, James’ commitment to Duke solidifies the team’s ambition of cultivating a roster blending maturity and raw talent.
The decision to transfer to Duke comes on the heels of James’ notable performance at Tulane, where he averaged an impressive 14 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while boasting a 51% shooting accuracy. Despite his collegiate success, James found himself on the outside looking in for invitations to prominent NBA pre-draft events, such as the G League Elite Camp or the NBA Draft Combine.
Undeterred by the NBA’s initial assessment, James strategically entered his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal, signaling his openness to explore new opportunities while maintaining control over his collegiate destiny. Duke, known for its storied basketball program under the leadership of coach Jon Scheyer, emerged as a fitting destination for the veteran guard.
Coach Scheyer, recognizing the importance of a seasoned presence in the backcourt, actively sought a player of James’ caliber to anchor the team alongside returning players Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster. The addition of James adds a layer of experience to a roster brimming with potential, highlighted by the impending arrival of top prospects like 6-9 small forward Cooper Flagg, touted as the top player in his class and a projected top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Furthermore, Duke’s recruiting efforts extend beyond domestic talent, with the inclusion of 7-1 center Khaman Maluach from Africa. Maluach, set to represent his native Sudan in the upcoming Paris Olympics before joining Duke in August, adds an international flair to the Blue Devils’ roster while bolstering their frontcourt presence. Like Flagg, Maluach is earmarked as a top prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, further solidifying Duke’s commitment to nurturing elite talent.
James’ arrival marks the latest in a series of strategic transfers for Duke, with 6-8 power forward Maliq Brown already making waves after leading the ACC in steals and earning a spot on the league’s all-defensive team during his tenure at Syracuse.
As Duke continues to assemble a formidable roster for the upcoming season, the convergence of seasoned veterans and rising stars sets the stage for another chapter in the university’s storied basketball legacy. With Sion James poised to make his mark in the iconic blue and white uniform, Duke fans can eagerly anticipate a thrilling season of hoops ahead.