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Deion James to join WSU basketball program

PULLMAN — Graduate transfer Deion James of Colorado State, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward, will join the Washington State men’s basketball team beginning with the 2019-20 season, Cougar coach Kyle Smith announced Monday.

“We are thrilled to have Deion in the program,” Smith said. “He was the first recruit to embrace our program. He is someone who visited Washington State and missed out the first time. He is getting a second chance and we could not be more happy to have him setting the course for our program. He is someone who we tried to get at USF because of he is a six-tool forward. His junior college coach, Brian Peabody, is a longtime friend and respected peer whom I have known for over 25 years. His experience, maturity, and versatility will be valued.”

James spent the last two seasons at Colorado State where he played as a junior in 2017-18 and used his redshirt season in 2018-19 following knee surgery. Prior to that he played his sophomore season at Pima Junior College (2016-17) where he earned his associate degree after one season playing at North Carolina A&T (2015-16).

As a junior in 2017-18, James played 31 games for Colorado State, notching 21 starts. He was third on the team with 10.4 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per outing. He was also third on the team with 19 blocks and second for field goal percentage, shooting .453.

During his sophomore season at Pima Junior College, James was named the NJCAA Division II National Player of the Year after leading the league with 20.6 points per game and ranking second with 9.6 rebounds a contest.

James will have one year of eligibility and be immediately eligible to play.