The future is beginning to take shape for a pair of Tennessee Volunteers who have their eyes set on the next level. After a season filled with milestones, hard-nosed defense, and plenty of national spotlight, two standouts from Rick Barnes’ 2024–25 squad have taken a pivotal step forward. On Monday, the NBA announced that Josiah-Jordan James and Jonas Aidoo have earned invitations to the 2025 NBA G League Elite Camp, signaling their legitimate potential to reach professional heights.
This marks a critical opportunity for the duo, as the camp serves as both a proving ground and a launching pad. The Elite Camp, scheduled to take place in Chicago ahead of the NBA Draft Combine, features top-tier prospects on the bubble—players who may not be projected lottery picks but still have the tools and potential to be contributors at the next level. For James and Aidoo, the invite is not just recognition; it’s a chance to force scouts and executives to take a long, hard look.
Let’s dive into what this means for the Volunteers program, the two players individually, and how their stories fit into the ever-evolving narrative of Tennessee basketball.
Building a Culture of Development
When Rick Barnes took the reins at Tennessee, few could have predicted the transformation the program would undergo. In the seasons since, the Vols have become a staple in the NCAA Tournament picture and one of the SEC’s most respected programs. Just as importantly, they’ve emerged as a place where players develop over time and earn legitimate shots at the NBA.
The recent success stories of Keon Johnson, Jaden Springer, Kennedy Chandler, and Julian Phillips—each of whom reached the NBA in recent years—are proof that Barnes and his staff have built an environment conducive to player growth. Now, James and Aidoo appear ready to carry that torch.
Their inclusion in the G League Elite Camp is a nod to that foundation.
Josiah-Jordan James: The Steady Leader
For Josiah-Jordan James, the journey has been long and winding, but not without merit. A former five-star recruit out of Charleston, South Carolina, James has been the emotional and vocal leader of the Vols for several seasons. His return for the 2024–25 campaign was met with widespread praise, with many analysts recognizing the importance of his presence in both the locker room and on the court.
Standing 6-foot-6 with a versatile frame, James fits the mold of a modern NBA wing. His defense has always been his calling card—capable of guarding 1 through 4, he thrives on effort, anticipation, and positioning. His offensive game may not wow you with flashy handles or deep threes, but it has grown. During his final season at Tennessee, he averaged:
- 10.3 points
- 6.0 rebounds
- 2.7 assists
- 1.1 steals per game
- Shooting 46.2% from the field and 36.4% from three
It’s not hard to imagine James carving out a career as a valuable role player—especially in today’s NBA, where versatility and defense are at a premium. The G League Elite Camp gives James the chance to showcase his basketball IQ and defensive capabilities in front of NBA talent evaluators, possibly earning him a spot in the official NBA Draft Combine or further attention from overseas and G League teams.
More than anything, it’s validation. After years of steady improvement, James’ basketball future remains bright.
Jonas Aidoo: The Late-Blooming Big Man
While James’ path has been steady, Jonas Aidoo’s is still taking shape.
A former four-star recruit from North Carolina, Aidoo entered Tennessee with plenty of upside but an unpolished game. That upside began to turn into production over the past two seasons, culminating in a standout 2024–25 campaign where he started nearly every game and became one of the SEC’s most improved players.
At 7 feet tall with a 7’5” wingspan, Aidoo offers tantalizing length, rim protection, and rebounding. This past season, he posted:
- 12.1 points per game
- 7.8 rebounds
- 2.0 blocks
- Shooting over 55% from the field
His touch around the rim, defensive timing, and improving mid-range shot have begun to catch the eyes of scouts. But what makes Aidoo an intriguing candidate at the G League Elite Camp is his potential to develop into a modern stretch big. While his three-point shot remains a work in progress, the mechanics and confidence are improving.
More importantly, Aidoo’s ability to defend in space and contest shots without fouling is a skill not many seven-footers possess. The camp will test his agility, motor, and offensive polish—attributes that could boost his stock heading into draft discussions or lead to a coveted two-way contract.
What Is the NBA G League Elite Camp?
The G League Elite Camp is not just a trial—it’s an incubator. It offers a highly competitive environment where players can participate in combine-style drills, five-on-five scrimmages, and team interviews. NBA scouts, executives, and G League coaches attend to evaluate players who are on the fringes of the draft.
Held in the same city and timeframe as the NBA Draft Combine, it serves as a filtering mechanism. The top performers at the Elite Camp are often called up to join the full NBA Draft Combine, which significantly increases their draft visibility. For context, players like Jose Alvarado, Duane Washington Jr., and Terance Mann used strong showings at the Elite Camp as springboards into the league.
James and Aidoo will be competing alongside other upperclassmen, international prospects, and standout mid-major performers. Every drill matters. Every scrimmage counts. Every day is a job interview.
Implications for Tennessee Basketball
The ripple effects of these invitations are felt beyond the individual players. This kind of recognition reinforces Tennessee’s image as a program where players can grow, develop, and eventually get their shot at the pros.
For current and future recruits, it’s a powerful signal. The Vols don’t just win games—they prepare you for what comes next.
For Rick Barnes and his staff, it’s another feather in the cap. Their ability to evaluate talent, nurture it, and place players on the radar of NBA decision-makers continues to solidify their status as one of the premier development programs in the SEC.
And for the fans, it’s a bittersweet but celebratory moment. Watching players grow from raw teenagers into confident pros is part of what makes college basketball so special.
What’s Next for James and Aidoo?
As the G League Elite Camp approaches, both players will need to focus on refining their strengths and addressing their weaknesses.
For James:
- Showing consistency in shooting mechanics
- Demonstrating defensive leadership in scrimmages
- Emphasizing playmaking and decision-making under pressure
For Aidoo:
- Continuing to stretch the floor and attempt outside shots
- Dominating the paint defensively and rebounding aggressively
- Proving he can guard on the perimeter in switches
If either impresses enough to earn a Combine invite—or even just catch the attention of GMs—they could see themselves drafted in the second round or signed to a two-way deal.
And if not, the G League itself has become a viable path to the NBA. With increased investment and visibility, players can now build strong professional careers without taking the traditional draft route.