Joel James
C, 6-10, 265
Sophomore, 20 years old
Hometown: West Palm Beach, FL
Season (8.4 mpg): 2 PPG, 3 RPG
40% FG
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North Carolina 82, Kentucky 77
Saturday, December 14, 2013 | Dean Smith Center (Chapel Hill, NC)
Joel James — C, 6-10, 265
Sophomore, 20 years old
Season (13.9 mpg): 4.1 PPG, 4.8 RPG
Game (13 min): 5 points, 5 rebounds
Outlook: James caught my eye vs. Kentucky, and I think he’s one of the more underrated centers in the country.
Great size, but more importantly, he has a soft touch around the basket for a 6-10 center. He’s active on both ends of the floor, and has learned to utilize instincts such as pump-fakes and shoulder-dips well. Frankly, I’m kind of surprised that he’s not playing more minutes. James didn’t dominate vs. Kentucky, but he made his mark as a physical defender who cleans up on the glass.
His offense needs a lot of work, but it seems like he has a natural lefty touch from close range. They key will be to extend his range out to 15-feet. If he can do so, then he becomes an NBA prospect in my opinion. I think James should average a double-double on the college level. However, the problem is, he’s a 6-10, 265-pound center playing in a transition-heavy North Carolina system.
It’s obviously premature to draw conclusions, but based on 13 minutes of live action and some game film, I’m very intrigued by James’ combination of size and skill. I’m not sure if James is worthy of “NBA consideration” right now, but I believe he’ll resurface as his career progresses.
Video: Offensive Presence
Video: Put-Backs (Offensive Rebounding)
Video: Post-Up Misses
Video: Baskets in the Paint