What are they getting: Josiah James

 

The Vol faithfully have to be jumping for joy today as they land a commitment from South Carolina product Josiah James. Beating both Duke and Clemson should provide Rick Barnes and company with a breath of fresh air as they complete their 2019 class with a bang.  But what are they getting? We take a look into what our #10 ranked player nationally will bring to Knoxville. 

 

A quick look back to my notes from this past years Chick-Fil-A classic gave me a little-needed reminder into what this 6'6 point guards commitment means for a program. The Vols have proven to develop their talent as many of their players featured don't have some of the star power that James now brings to the program. Take Grant Williams for instance. Williams wasn't highly regarded out of high school and yet he's coming off of a season in which he gained SEC player of the year honors. Rick Barnes, in particular, has had success with sending point guards to the NBA as DJ Augustine, TJ Ford, Corey Joseph, Royal Ivey, and Daniel Gibson.

 

With legitimate NBA size, Josiah James is more than capable of instantly improving the efficiency and production of an offense. James has a keen feel for the pace of the game, allowing him to understand the value of a well-timed strike to a teammate. 

 

Those fans in Knoxville that may be unfamiliar with James will instantly be impressed with his high IQ, savvy play, and ability to use his size to get to his spots on the floor. He's increasingly found ways to score despite needing to improve his outside shooting ability. His national ranking is well deserved as there aren't many talents that boast the size, skill and feel necessary to have an immediate impact as a freshman.

 

James has bounds of potential. So much in fact that the Vols may be forced to find another 5-star product this time next year as James has the talent needed to be a one and done.