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Tennessee basketball: Ranking all nine returning players for 2022-23

By Caleb Calhoun

Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) and Tennessee guard Santiago Vescovi (25) smile after James made a three-pointer during a basketball game between Tennessee and Texas A&M held at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022.Kns Vols Texas A M Hoops Bp
Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) and Tennessee guard Santiago Vescovi (25) smile after James made a three-pointer during a basketball game between Tennessee and Texas A&M held at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tenn., on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022.Kns Vols Texas A M Hoops Bp /
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Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) reacts during the NCAA Tournament first round game between Tennessee and Longwood at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Thursday, March 17, 2022.Kns Ncaa Vols Longwood Bp
Tennessee guard Josiah-Jordan James (30) reacts during the NCAA Tournament first round game between Tennessee and Longwood at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on Thursday, March 17, 2022.Kns Ncaa Vols Longwood Bp /

Small forward. Senior. Josiah-Jordan James. 2. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 534. player

6’6″ 214 pounds

Probably Tennessee basketball’s most versatile player, Josiah-Jordan James is a rare player. He was a five-star recruit across the board who is now entering his senior season. Not only is he an experienced five-star, but he’s also one who developed under Rick Barnes, which could make him a breakout superstar this year.

Last year was James’ first season as the full-time starter for Rocky Top. He averaged double-figures for the first time in his career as well at 10.3 points a game. Most notably, though, was the fact that James would manage to fill up the stats sheet across the board the way nobody else could for the Vols.

James averaged over one block, nearly one and a half steals and over one and a half assists a game. Add in his six rebounds per game, and he was a force in the post. However, he was still efficient, shooting 80 percent from the free throw line. Now, his .324 three-point percentage can improve, but he’s shown he can get hot.

When Olivier Nkamhoua went down with a season-ending injury, Barnes made the bold move of switching James over to the four, and he thrived. As a result, it’s still unclear what role James will play, but he can do anything from the one to the four, and he’ll be an integral part of whatever success Tennessee basketball has this year.

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