When Josiah-Jordan James announced he was transferring to Duke University, the college basketball world buzzed with equal parts shock and admiration. A four-year stalwart at the University of Tennessee, James had become a symbol of consistency and leadership for Rick Barnes’ Volunteers. But after completing his senior season in Knoxville, the versatile 6-foot-6 guard-forward surprised many by entering the transfer portal with one final year of eligibility—and then choosing Duke as his new home.
In a candid sit-down with reporters shortly after his commitment, James offered a comprehensive look into the thought process that led to his decision. The Charleston, South Carolina native didn’t take the decision lightly. It was months in the making, with emotions, legacy, and vision intertwining into a powerful narrative. The choice to move on from Tennessee and begin a new chapter with Jon Scheyer’s Blue Devils came down to five compelling reasons—each rooted in both his past and future aspirations.
1. A Desire to Compete for a National Championship
Josiah-Jordan James has never been shy about his championship aspirations. Throughout his time at Tennessee, he experienced plenty of success—Sweet Sixteen appearances, SEC tournament runs, and marquee wins. But the ultimate goal, a Final Four berth or national title, remained elusive.
“Don’t get me wrong—Tennessee gave me everything,” James said. “I love Coach Barnes, my teammates, and the fans. But going into my fifth year, I knew I had one last chance to go all the way. And Duke gives me the best shot at doing that.”
The Blue Devils, fresh off an Elite Eight run and returning a stacked roster, present a compelling opportunity. With a mix of seasoned veterans and elite freshmen, Duke is poised to be a top contender in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. For James, whose defensive prowess and basketball IQ are tailor-made for deep tournament runs, this felt like a natural fit.
“Coach Scheyer has built something special. The culture, the standard, the expectations—it’s all championship-level. I want to be part of that. I want to help push us over the top.”
His presence could be the final piece to Duke’s championship puzzle. Known for his perimeter defense, rebounding, and unselfishness, James fills an immediate need in Duke’s lineup: a mature, do-it-all wing who thrives in big moments.
2. A Fresh Start After an Emotionally Draining Senior Year
James doesn’t speak much about the behind-the-scenes challenges he faced during his senior season at Tennessee, but he alluded to them during the interview.
“This past year was hard,” he admitted. “Not just on the court, but mentally and emotionally. I started to feel like I was plateauing. I needed a reset—something that would recharge me as both a player and a person.”
Despite strong showings during the season, including clutch performances in SEC play, James battled injuries and the pressure of being a senior leader on a team with Final Four hopes. The weight wore on him. While he never showed it outwardly, internally he was burning out.
“Sometimes, even when things are good, you know you need change. That doesn’t mean you’re running away. It means you’re listening to your gut.”
Duke represents a new canvas. A place where he can grow without the weight of history or expectations that had been building since his freshman year in Knoxville.
“It’s not about erasing my past—it’s about elevating my future.”
3. A Longstanding Connection to Duke’s Legacy and Brotherhood
Long before Josiah-Jordan James became synonymous with Tennessee orange, he was a kid with dreams of playing at Duke. Growing up, he idolized players like Shane Battier, Justise Winslow, and Nolan Smith. His father, Derrick James, often told stories of Duke’s glory days, and the younger James took those tales to heart.
“When I was 12, I had a Duke poster on my wall,” he laughed. “My dad played a big role in planting that seed. He loved the way Duke played the game—the discipline, the toughness, the brotherhood. So I grew up watching Duke games, studying their style.”
Though James didn’t commit to Duke out of high school—he was a five-star recruit courted by programs across the country—he admits the dream never fully left him.
“I don’t think I was ready back then,” he said. “But now, with experience and maturity, I feel like I’m finally the player who fits the Duke mold.”
The concept of “The Brotherhood”—Duke’s renowned alumni network and family-like culture—also drew James in.
“I’ve already had guys like Quinn Cook and Grayson Allen reach out to welcome me. It’s real. Once you’re in the Brotherhood, you’re family. That means something.”
4. Scheyer’s Vision and Transparent Recruiting Process
Jon Scheyer’s recruiting style is not for everyone. The second-year Duke head coach is direct, meticulous, and holds high standards. For James, that level of honesty was refreshing—and ultimately persuasive.
“When I went on my visit and sat down with Coach Scheyer, he didn’t sugarcoat anything,” James recalled. “He told me exactly what he saw in me, how he planned to use me, and where I needed to improve. That meant a lot.”
Scheyer’s plan is to plug James into a hybrid role, using him as a glue guy capable of guarding multiple positions, initiating offense, and mentoring younger teammates. With Duke’s roster filled with dynamic but young talent, James’ veteran presence will be invaluable.
“He said, ‘We don’t need you to be someone you’re not. We need you to be who you’ve always been—and elevate the guys around you,’” James said. “That was the moment I knew this was the right place.”
Their basketball conversation extended beyond Xs and Os. The two also discussed leadership, legacy, and the responsibility that comes with wearing a Duke jersey.
“Coach Scheyer made it clear—this isn’t just a basketball decision. It’s a life decision. And I felt that.”
5. Life After Basketball: Leveraging Duke’s Network and Academic Prestige
Though James is laser-focused on the 2025 season, he’s also thinking beyond basketball. With plans to pursue a career in broadcasting, coaching, or sports management, he saw Duke’s academic and alumni network as a launching pad.
“I’m realistic. I want to play professionally, but I’m also preparing for life after the game,” he said. “Duke opens doors—period. The network, the resources, the connections—it’s unmatched.”
James has already met with staff at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and the Athletics Department’s leadership development program. He’s even started conversations about internships and shadowing opportunities next summer.
“It’s more than basketball. I want to grow as a man, as a thinker, and as a leader. And Duke gives me the platform to do that.”
The university’s strong commitment to holistic athlete development factored heavily into his decision.
“Tennessee helped me build my foundation. Duke is where I’ll refine it.”
A Legacy in Two Colors
It’s rare in college basketball for a player to leave a program after four seasons and still be remembered with admiration. But James’ departure from Tennessee has been met with gratitude rather than bitterness.
“He gave us everything he had,” said Vols head coach Rick Barnes in a statement. “Josiah will always be part of the Tennessee family. We wish him the best at Duke.”
James returns the sentiment.
“I’ll always bleed a little orange,” he smiled. “Tennessee raised me. But sometimes, the story needs a new chapter. And for me, that chapter starts in Durham.”
As he prepares to don the blue and white for the first time, James isn’t focused on comparisons or pressure. He’s focused on legacy—his own, and the one he hopes to build at Duke.
“I want to look back one day and say I took every opportunity to grow, to compete, and to lead. That’s what this move is about.”
And for Duke, the addition of Josiah-Jordan James represents more than just talent—it’s about culture, maturity, and purpose.
One last ride. A new home. A familiar dream.
By the Numbers: Josiah-Jordan James Career Stats (Tennessee)
- Games Played: 124
- Career Averages: 8.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.1 SPG
- Notable: 2x SEC All-Defense, 2024 All-SEC Honorable Mention
Final Thoughts
In an era where college basketball sees hundreds of transfers annually, Josiah-Jordan James’ move from Tennessee to Duke stands out—not because of controversy or conflict, but because of clarity. A player who gave everything to one program now embarks on a mission at another, driven by dreams he’s carried since childhood.