Former Tulane guard Sion James announced his commitment to the Duke Blue Devils on Friday, adding another excellent starting option for head coach Jon Scheyer.
However, while James can play the same position as Caleb Foster and Tyrese Proctor, his advanced stats show he also plays an entirely different game.
According to CBB Analytics, half of James’ shot attempts last season came around the rim. The former Green Wave star shot 51.4% from the floor in 2023-24, but his efficiency jumped to 62% as he closed in on the basket. When you consider his 6-foot-6, 220-pound frame, it makes sense that James builds his game around his athletic prowess.
Contrast that with Foster and Proctor, who both stand 6-foot-5 and below 200 pounds. Foster attempted 69 3-pointers last year, more than 40% of his shots. Proctor tossed up 165 triples, more than half of his respective attempts.
James upped his 3-point production in each of his four years with Tulane, attempting 113 last year and connecting at a 38.1% clip. However, that still represented less than 40% of his overall shotmaking.
Only time will tell how much Foster, Proctor, and James all stand on the court together next season. However, trading 2023-24 star Jared McCain for James means teams have to entirely adjust to Duke’s guard play. James’ interior creation and finishing ability can open up looks for his sharpshooting teammates, a combination Scheyer surely targeted on purpose.