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Duke

Jon Scheyer sees Sion James as a pro player

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•about 10 hours•

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Sion James
© Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images

Sion James elected to spend his final year of eligbility to play for Jon Scheyer and his Blue Devils this season, and continues to be a constant presense in Duke‘s lineup.

The Tulane transfer, who spent four seasons with the Green Wave and averaged 14.0 points per game last season, has had to take on a new type of roll since arriving in Durham. Often overlooked ahead of the team’s freshman stars, Scheyer gave high praise to James following the 89-54 win over Miami on Tuesday..

“Sion is the ultimate connector,” Scheyer said. “I think for him, it’s been great to show. Look, I think he should be a pro player because of what he does as a defender, his IQ, his versatility, you know, he’s shown that he can really knock down shots, too.

“I think it’s great for him to play the role similar to how he would play in the NBA, and see on all in the moment — and that doesn’t even cross his mind. He’s just all about winning, all about helping his teammates, even when he’s out of the game.”

James has made 10 starts in 17 appearances for the Blue Devils this season, including against the Hurricanes on Tuesday. He scored five points and dished out five assists, but also totaled a game-high three blocks along with a steal during the matchup.

He’s averaging 7.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists for Duke this season.

Scheyer said that players like James and Mason Gillis, who is another fifth-year guy who player four seasons at his previous shchool (Purdue), are the voices on the team who are the most important.

“You guys see them during games, but they’re that way in practice everyday, too,” Scheyer said.

Gillis came in off the bench and scored 12 points during the contest, all of which came from beyond the arc. It’s the second time he’s scored in double figures for Duke this season.

The Blue Devils have won 11-straight games dating back to Novemeber, which is tied for the most in the country. It’s also the longest win streak by the Blue Devils since the 2017-18 season.

Duke will look to continue its 7-0 start to ACC play when they travel to Boston College for a Saturday night prime-time matchup against Boston College on ESPN. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m. ET.