Sion James helps Duke basketball get to Final Four, Houston rematch

AI-assisted summaryDuke basketball player Sion James is a versatile player who can score, rebound, pass, and defend.James is a graduate transfer from Tulane who has helped Duke win 30 of its last 31 games.James is a tough and competitive player who sets the tone for the Blue Devils.Duke will play Houston in the Final Four, and James is looking forward to the challenge.SAN ANTONIO — Duke basketball coach Jon Scheyer has often referred to Sion James as an “ultimate connector” for the Blue Devils. 

Whether it’s scoring, rebounding, passing or defense, James has provided whatever Duke (35-3) has needed at any given moment in an underrated role throughout the season.

“I’ve asked him to do a lot of different things – guard every position, bring the ball up, screen, cut, shoot, pass, and there’s no feelings with it. It’s whatever you need,” Scheyer said during the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament in Raleigh. 

“In this day and age, to have a guy like that in his position has been an honor to coach that.” 

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“Really just being myself, doing the same thing everyone else is doing,” James said Thursday inside the Alamodome as Duke prepares for a Final Four matchup with Houston (34-4) on Saturday (8:49 p.m., CBS). 

rbaxley@fayobserver.com.