Duke basketball’s Sion James is embracing the grind of the pre-draft process with the same energy and discipline that helped elevate him to this point. Following a standout season in Durham after transferring from Tulane, the 6-foot-6 guard has become one of the more intriguing under-the-radar prospects ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft. He has spent the last few weeks traveling across the country, working out for several NBA teams, and making a strong impression with his versatile skillset, his maturity, and a humble but confident approach to the game.
James, a native of Sugar Hill, Georgia, wasn’t always on the radar of NBA scouts. At Tulane, he carved out a reputation as a tenacious defender and a steady presence on both ends of the floor. But it wasn’t until he transferred to Duke for his final year of eligibility that he began to draw serious NBA attention. At Duke, playing under the intense spotlight and against elite competition, James elevated his game. He averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game for the Blue Devils, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
His shooting also took a major step forward. James posted a 61.5% true shooting percentage, improved from his years at Tulane, and became a more confident and reliable perimeter shooter. Scouts were particularly impressed by his improved footwork, shot mechanics, and patience in the half-court offense. On defense, he continued to shine. With a defensive rating of 87.7—ranking 22nd nationally—James showed he could guard multiple positions effectively, a trait highly valued in the modern NBA.
As he goes through workouts with teams like the Chicago Bulls, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns, James is aware of the stakes and the scrutiny. Still, he approaches each opportunity with calm and gratitude.
“It’s been a blessing, honestly,” James said after a recent workout. “Every team I’ve visited, I’ve tried to learn something. Whether it’s from the coaches, the staff, or just from being in the gym and feeling that pro environment. I don’t take any of it for granted.”
James is no stranger to hard work. At Tulane, he quietly became one of the American Athletic Conference’s most consistent two-way players. But the decision to transfer to Duke was about proving he could compete and thrive at the highest collegiate level. It wasn’t just a leap in visibility; it was a test of how well his game could translate under greater pressure and against more physically gifted opponents.
“Going to Duke was never about the spotlight. I wanted to challenge myself,” James explained. “I knew there were going to be nights when I wasn’t the number one option, and that was fine with me. I wanted to learn, to be pushed, to compete every day with other elite players.”
And that challenge paid off. At Duke, James was frequently tasked with guarding the opponent’s top perimeter player. His long arms, quick feet, and ability to anticipate passing lanes made him a menace on the defensive end. On offense, he didn’t need to dominate the ball to be effective. He thrived in transition, cut well without the ball, and showed improved decision-making as a secondary ball-handler.
Now, as the NBA Draft nears, James is in the thick of proving he belongs on the next level. His recent performance at the NBA Draft Combine raised eyebrows. He posted a 39.5-inch vertical leap—fourth-best among all participants—underscoring his athleticism and explosiveness. His agility drills and interviews with teams reportedly went well, further boosting his draft stock.
“I try not to focus too much on what mock drafts say or where people project me to go,” James said. “I just control what I can control. Show up, play hard, do the work. If a team believes in what I bring to the table, I’ll be ready.”
What James brings to the table is more than just numbers. Coaches rave about his attitude, his willingness to do the little things, and his team-first mentality. In a league where role players often make the difference between a good team and a great one, James’ profile as a “glue guy” with upside is increasingly attractive.
One scout who watched James closely during his time at Duke noted, “He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact. He’s smart, he’s tough, and he competes on every possession. That’s the kind of player you want in your rotation.”
James himself sees his versatility as his biggest asset. “I’m not trying to fit into one box,” he said. “I can defend one through three. I can handle the ball if needed. I can hit open shots. I can rebound. Whatever the team needs, that’s what I’ll do. That’s always been my mindset.”
Off the court, James carries himself with a maturity that teams have taken notice of. He credits much of that to his upbringing and his time at both Tulane and Duke, where he had to learn how to lead, how to stay patient, and how to handle adversity.
“Everybody’s path is different,” he said. “Mine took a little longer, maybe, but I wouldn’t trade it. I’ve grown so much not just as a player, but as a person. When I walk into those NBA facilities now, I know I belong—not because someone told me I do, but because I put in the work to be here.”
James’ pre-draft tour has been intense—multiple cities, different time zones, constant workouts, interviews, and meetings—but he’s staying grounded through it all. Each stop is another chance to show who he is, not just as an athlete, but as a teammate and a competitor.
“I just want teams to know that if they pick me, they’re getting someone who’s all in,” James said. “I’m not chasing fame or stats. I’m here to help a team win.”
In a draft class loaded with offensive firepower and highlight-reel talent, Sion James may not be the flashiest name on the board. But for franchises looking to add toughness, intelligence, and versatility, he checks a lot of boxes. He won’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. He’ll guard your best wing player. He’ll sprint the floor, make the extra pass, dive for loose balls, and elevate the locker room with his professionalism.
That’s the kind of value teams are increasingly looking for—especially in the second round or among undrafted free agents, where smart front offices have made a habit of finding diamonds in the rough. James may just be one of those hidden gems: not overly hyped, but battle-tested and ready.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Sion James remains focused on the moment. He isn’t letting the noise get to him, and he’s not worried about how many cameras are pointed in his direction. Instead, he’s zeroed in on the work, the same way he’s always been.
“There’s a lot I still want to prove,” he said. “But I’m thankful to be here, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
Whether his name is called in the first round, the second, or he signs as a free agent, Sion James has already shown what kind of professional he will be. And in today’s NBA, there’s always a place for someone who plays hard, plays smart, and plays to win.
