It is all coming together for Pima Junior College 6-foot-8 sophomore forward Deion James. After just leading his program to this year's 2017 ACCAC Division-II junior college basketball title, and being selected as the Tournament Most Valuable Player, James is now seeing much higher college recruitment. This week, James received a new PAC-12 offer.
With numerous schools now either offering or expressing strong interest in him, Washington State head coach Ernie Kent extended a scholarship offer to the gifted 4-man prospect. James has not expressed any leaders thus far in his college recruitment, so it will be interesting to see where he lands.
Currently, James has offers from Fresno State, Colorado State, Portland State, Idaho State, Southern Utah and Northern Arizona, with many more schools looking to now get involved. Fresno State has recruited him the hardest over the longest period of time, but many more schools have been in the hunt as of late.
James has improved a great deal over the past year, after heading the division-I route after high school. After a year in the division-I ranks, James developed a great deal as a player and saw his game progress nicely. As a result, James was regarded as the top overall college prospect in the ACCAC this junior college season, and has become one of the top juco prospects in the West.
This season James averaged 20.9 points and 9.8 rebounds per/contest - leading the conference in points and ranking second in rebounds in the ACCAC.
James will have a big decision on his hands, as he looks to make the right basketball decision for himself. He will have his choice between high major and mid-major plus programs across the country.
We will continue to follow James' college recruitment closely, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: James has really developed nicely since leaving the high school ranks, as he has added some size and has a much better overall motor now, which allows him to make plays at a high rate. James is an attractive looking prospect, as a result of his nice size and skill level. This young man has excellent potential for the future, as he continues to mature physically and mentally. He is just beginning to realize how good he can become. Still very young, James is a talented and skilled 3/4 prospect that has very good size and a nice overall skill level. James plays similar to that of a young Boris Diaw (NBA - Utah Jazz), as he is a big forward prospect that loves to pass the basketball to the open man on the floor. He was the best passing forward in the conference this junior college season. Also a very good offensive rebounder that rebounds outside of his area. Runs the floor hard and like a wing. A good team defender, but he is foul prone. Needs to continue to improve lateral quickness defensively. A good overall athlete. A solid overall prospect that knows how to play the game.