James played high school basketball for Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, South Carolina. He was named Gatorade Player of the Year in South Carolina after averaging 29.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, 5.3 blocks and 4.9 assists per game. James led the team to three state titles.[1] He set Porter-Gaud's single game scoring record with 45 points in the Cyclones’ 84–49 win against Northwood Academy.[2] He was named a McDonald's All-American.[3]
James missed much of the preseason with a hip injury. He scored seven points in Tennessee's first two games. In a 75–62 win over Washington, James finished with nine points, five assists and four rebounds.[8] On January 4, 2020, James scored a career-high 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting in a 78–64 loss to LSU.[9] He was ruled out with a hip injury on January 30.[10] As a freshman, James averaged 7.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game.[11] On January 30, 2021, he suffered a wrist injury against Kansas, forcing him to miss two games. As a sophomore, James averaged 8.0 points and a team-leading 6.5 rebounds per game. He underwent wrist surgery in the offseason.[12] James averaged 10.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game as a junior.[13] As a senior, he battled injuries but averaged 10 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. James opted to return for his fifth season of eligibility.[14] In his fifth season, he averaged 8.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.[15]
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