Breaking: Sion James joins the Duke Blue Devils, increasing their chances of winning the championship

In a stunning move that could shift the balance of power in college basketball, Sion James has officially transferred to the Duke Blue Devils, a decision that reverberates across the NCAA landscape. After four standout seasons with the Tulane Green Wave, James brings veteran leadership, two-way versatility, and unmatched maturity to a Duke team already bursting with talent. For head coach Jon Scheyer, the addition of James may be the missing puzzle piece in Duke’s quest for a national title.

Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 210 pounds, James built his reputation as a cerebral, high-IQ wing capable of doing a little bit of everything. At Tulane, he averaged 10.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists during the 2024–25 season. But statistics hardly capture the impact he had on the court. A defensive stopper, vocal leader, and calming presence under pressure, James was the heart and soul of Ron Hunter’s squad.

More importantly, he’s battle-tested. Over 125 career games, James evolved from a role player into a floor general. With his leadership and basketball IQ, he often functioned as Tulane’s de facto point guard, guarding the opponent’s best perimeter threat while also orchestrating offensive sets. Now, he brings those skills to Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Duke has no shortage of star power. The Blue Devils boast a top-five recruiting class and the return of key veterans. However, what they lacked—until now—was a true “glue guy.” James fills that void immediately.

“Sion is exactly the kind of veteran you dream of adding through the portal,” Scheyer said in a press release. “He’s unselfish, team-first, and competes on every possession. His experience and leadership will elevate our locker room.”

The Blue Devils’ primary weakness last season was their inconsistency on defense and occasional lapses in late-game execution. James checks both boxes: he’s a lockdown defender who rarely turns the ball over and thrives in crunch time. With him on the floor, Duke gains an extra coach—a player who holds teammates accountable and consistently makes the right play.

James’ arrival gives Duke one of the deepest and most experienced rotations in the country. He’s expected to slot in as a starting wing or sixth man, depending on Scheyer’s rotation strategy. His presence allows more freedom for younger players like 5-star recruit Isaiah Evans and sophomore sharpshooter Jared McCain.

Here’s a projected 2025–26 rotation with James in the fold:

• PG: Caleb Foster (Jr.)
• SG: Jared McCain (So.)
• SF: Sion James (Sr., Grad Transfer)
• PF: Sean Stewart (So.)
• C: Kyle Filipowski (Jr., assuming return)

B Isaiah Evans, TJ Power, Christian Reeves, and potentially another portal addition.

James can play and defend three positions, offering Scheyer tremendous lineup flexibility. He can serve as a backup point guard, a primary wing defender, or even as a small-ball four in switch-heavy schemes. This versatility is key in March, where mismatches often determine outcomes.

James’ transition from Tulane to Duke is as much about opportunity as it is about culture. He’s moving from a mid-major that consistently punched above its weight to a blue-blood program with championship expectations.

The shift is monumental—but not overwhelming for a player of his caliber.

“Duke’s culture is built on excellence,” James said during his introductory press conference. “Every day, you’re expected to compete and be your best self. That’s exactly the environment I was looking for.”

Former Tulane teammates and coaches have raved about James’ work ethic and humility. “You’ll never find a more committed teammate,” said Green Wave assistant Ray McCallum. “Duke is getting a grown man.”

His maturity is likely to resonate in a locker room filled with elite but young talent. While the likes of Evans and Foster may have NBA ceilings, James offers something just as valuable: experience, composure, and the hunger of a player with one final chance to cut down the nets.

With James’ commitment, oddsmakers and analysts are already adjusting their expectations for the Blue Devils. ESPN’s Joe Lunardi moved Duke up two spots in his early Bracketology, placing them as a No. 1 seed in the East Region. KenPom rankings, which emphasize efficiency and experience, project Duke to enter the season as a top-3 team nationally.

James’ addition mirrors the kind of seasoned transfer that has elevated recent champions. Think Remy Martin (Kansas, 2022), Adama Sanogo (UConn, 2023), and most recently Tristen Newton (UConn, 2024). All were older players who anchored title-winning teams with poise and leadership. James fits the mold.

Duke hasn’t won a national championship since 2015, and while they’ve had NBA lottery talent in abundance, they’ve lacked the combination of youth and veteran savvy. With James, the balance finally feels right.

News of James’ commitment was met with excitement inside Duke’s locker room.

“Let’s goooooo!!!” tweeted Jared McCain. “We just got a DAWG.”

Isaiah Evans shared a photo of James on his Instagram story with the caption: “Culture. This the one.”

Even former Blue Devils chimed in. “Sion’s a winning player,” said Jay Bilas, ESPN analyst and former Duke forward. “He makes any team better. Period.”

The excitement isn’t just about talent—it’s about tone-setting. James sets an example in practice, understands team concepts, and never needs the ball to impact the game. That’s rare in today’s player movement era.

Jon Scheyer’s portal strategy has been criticized in past seasons, especially after missing on key transfer targets in 2023. This offseason, however, marks a turning point.

Landing James reflects a shift in Scheyer’s approach—targeting high-character veterans rather than chasing only former 5-stars or high-volume scorers. With James, Duke gets a program-changer without disrupting chemistry or hierarchy.

It also suggests Scheyer is now more comfortable balancing youth with experience, much like the formula Mike Krzyzewski mastered during his later years.

For James, the move to Duke isn’t just about winning—it’s about legacy. He enters his final college season with a clear goal: cut down the nets in April.

“This is my last shot,” James told reporters. “I’m all in. And I believe we can win it all.”

That mentality will be infectious. Duke, often accused of being too young or too soft in March, gains an edge with James. He brings the grit and grind required to win ugly games in hostile environments—games that often define March Madness.

And with his poise, Duke finally has a player who can steady the ship when the lights are brightest.

With Sion James’ arrival, the 2025–26 Duke Blue Devils are no longer just a talented team—they are a championship-caliber unit. James completes a roster that features elite recruits, returning stars, and now, the seasoned leadership of a veteran winner.

In an era of college basketball where experience often trumps pure potential, Duke has found the perfect balance. James may not be the flashiest name, but he might end up being the most important.