As the Blue Devils’ season comes to an end, the Blue Zone takes a final look at every player’s performance this year. We’ve already analyzed Cooper Flagg, Isaiah Evans, Khaman Maluach and Tyrese Proctor. Next up is graduate guard Sion James:
Sion James
Year: Graduate
Height: 6-foot-6
Position: Guard
This year’s stat line: 25.6 MPG, 8.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.9 APG
Tulane transfer Sion James joined the Blue Devils as an experienced veteran to accompany the team’s youth. He accomplished that and much more, bringing relentless defensive intensity, playmaking and high-percentage 3-point shooting by the end of the season.
He started his campaign with limited minutes off the bench. James demonstrated his knack for getting to the basket and drawing fouls, and he scored 10 points on perfect shooting in Duke’s 75-72 loss to Kansas. James’ first start of the season came against Auburn, where he recorded nine points, five rebounds and three steals on his birthday, in addition to a key block with one minute remaining. His athleticism was on full display, especially in this high-flying dunk off the fast break that eventually led to a flagrant foul.
The Sugar Hill, Ga., native took a few games to get into the rhythm that comes with a starting backcourt spot, but he eventually carved a niche as the starting point guard. James’ bright spots included a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double against Virginia Tech and an eight-assist performance against SMU. However, he made his biggest contributions on defense, frequently locking up the best guard on the opposing roster.
“It's not a mismatch whoever he's guarding,” head coach Jon Scheyer said of James after Duke’s win against Pittsburgh. “He’s guarding the other team’s point guard, picking up full court in the whole game and then he's typically going to be the guy that switches onto a five, and it's not really a mismatch, and it's a luxury to have that.”
As the calendar turned to February, James flipped a switch in his offensive game. His role initiating the offense was invaluable for Scheyer, and James finished the year tied for third in the ACC in assist-to-turnover ratio with a 2.4 mark. He had an eight-game streak scoring eight or more points, capped off by an 11-point, six-assist performance against Illinois.
“He’s in control of the game. He’s so unselfish and plays at a great speed,” Scheyer said postgame. “He makes everybody better, and that's the biggest thing. His ability to play fast and get downhill, but then play under control, to see the floor and just make simple, really good passes.”
Whether it be standing in the opposite wing for a 3-pointer from Cooper Flagg or cutting to the basket as Kon Knueppel drove inside, James consistently found the gaps in the defense and moved off the ball.
As North Carolina punched Duke in the mouth to end the regular season, James punched right back with 16 points and eight rebounds, illustrating his strength with crafty finishes.
James made his mark in the ACC championship game, where he led the shorthanded Blue Devils to a 73-62 win against Louisville. He had 10 points in just four minutes in the second half and hit clutch free throws to finish out the contest. The graduate guard was also named to the ACC All-Defensive team.
In the NCAA Tournament, James connected on a late 3-pointer and two free throws in the final couple minutes to put away Arizona in the Sweet 16. He also played a demonstrable role in limiting Alabama — the nation’s top offense — to just 65 total points.
While he struggled for much of Duke’s Final Four loss against Houston, he made some necessary second-half shots and secured five rebounds in a game where the Blue Devils struggled to clean the glass. This year, James was the perfect piece for Scheyer to grab from the transfer portal, and the former Green Wave standout’s unselfishness fit in seamlessly with this bunch.
His game is admirable, but perhaps more so is his off-the-court work. James was one of 20 student-athletes to be named to the Allstate NACDA Good Works Team for his community service work. He works with Samaritan’s Feet to provide shoes for those in need, along with hosting multiple toy drives in Durham as part of the Sion James Foundation.
Read more about James’ season:
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Ranjan Jindal is a Trinity junior and sports editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.