Jon Scheyer has struck again via the transfer portal and netted what should likely be the final piece of the rotational roster for the Duke Blue Devils 24-25 season in Tulane guard Sion James. James played in and started 31 games last year for the Green Wave, shooting 38% from 3-point range and 60% from 2-point range. James also pulled down 5.4 rebounds and scored 14 points per game this past season. James committed to the Devils during a visit to Durham that began May 3rd but continued his scheduled pre-draft workouts for NBA teams before officially announcing his commitment to Duke.
The 6’6, 220lb transfer guard (who will turn 22 in December ) joins a transfer class that includes Mason Gillis from Purdue ( who will be 24 in November ) and Maliq Brown from Syracuse (who will be 21 in November). The additions to the roster add some age, size, experience and toughness to a young roster as they develop.
While at Tulane Sion (pronounced see-ahhn) was named chairman of the American Athletic Conference Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which serves as the voice of student-athletes from 12 member institutions. Among other things, the committee promotes student-athlete well-being, academic achievement, personal development and community service.
James began his term in June 2022, and one of the first things he did was organize a virtual panel discussion on stress and other aspects of mental health. James has also been extremely active in the communities around Tulane including Samaritan’s Feet, a nonprofit that provides new shoes to children in underserved communities. He is also working with former teammate Sandy Ryan’s nonprofit Ryan’s Giving Tree, which assists homeless people in New Orleans.
James adds not only a proven entity in terms of scoring but a physical guard who can get downhill but is also a threat from the outside. The addition of James gives Jon Scheyer and Duke not just depth but a versatile backcourt featuring returnees Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster. The Blue Devils aren’t expected to add more rotation players but there is always a possibility to add more practice or backups considering they still have a few more scholarships to play with. Duke’s roster would be instantly one of the tallest in college basketball with no players under 6’5.
