Offense
Strengths
• Hustle player – goes after loose balls and offensive rebounds
• Improving range on jump shot
• Finds holes in the defense
• Runs the floor well, fills lanes
• Uses body well, draws fouls
Weaknesses
• Perimeter shot and free throw shooting need to be more consistent
• Ball-handling skills need improvement
• Needs to see the court better, find open teammates
Defense
Strengths
• Boxes out well, secures rebounds
• Good help defender
• Closes well on shooters
Weaknesses
• Lateral movement and foot speed need work
• Has trouble guarding other small forwards, better with power forwards
Analysis
James was the leader of the up-and-down Texas squad this year; and if the rest of the team played the way he did, it may have been a better season. He is a workhorse on both ends of the floor, hustling after loose balls and errant shots. He is a threat from 15 to 20 feet, forcing defenders to come out on him, though his shot selection and consistency need improvement. He attacks the basket strong, using his strength and drawing fouls. He seems to have a hitch in his free throw shooting which gives the ball and odd rotation. Defensively, James is a good rebounder for his size and is not afraid to mix it up down low, though he may have to guard more on the perimeter in the NBA. His lateral movement and foot speed are average, though he does a decent job beating the offensive player to spots. While he may not be a starter at the NBA level, he is the type of player that every good team has or needs.
- Ed Isaacson
