By CHARLIE PARENT
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Nigel James Jr., a four-star point guard in the class of 2025, continues to rise up the high school ranks as he nears a potential commitment in 2024. The 6-foot-2 Long Island Lutheran product averaged 8 points and 4 assists in two games at last weekend’s HoopHall Classic.
James proved that he has an elite handle, as well as a quick explosion that can open up passing lanes for him to hit or an opportunity to score at the hole. He continues to improve in the pick-and-roll game to the point where it’s one of his elite abilities.
James’ Expressions Elite AAU coach Ken Jackson summarized some of the young guard’s best abilities.
“Nigel is a guard of all service,” Jackson said. “Standing 6-foot-2 with growing athleticism, he can run your show and get others involved with the best in the country. He can play uptempo and off-ball consistently and be a scoring threat from all three levels. He’s nearly impossible to stop off ball screens and in transition.”
James has taken visits to Marquette, Syracuse, Rutgers and Providence. Each remains without a pure point guard in their 2025 cycle.
He does not plan to take any more visits and mentioned a commitment could come, “maybe around EYBL.”
He broke down his visits to ZAGSBLOG after Saturday’s game:
Marquette: “It’s great; we’re building a relationship day by day. The coaches keep reaching out, we’re talking every day. They’re letting me know how much of a priority I am to them.”
Syracuse: “It’s a great fanbase. I see them [their fans] a lot on Twitter. With the coaches, I have a great relationship too. Coach Gerry McNamara and they are just showing me I’m a point guard they need.”
Rutgers: “It’s great. I have a great relationship with Coach T.J. Thompson. Me and him talk all the time. He wants me to be one of his point guards. Obviously, they have Dylan Harper coming in, who’s one of my close friends. They just want me to be someone who can come in and impact right away.”
Providence: “I talk to all the coaches on that staff a lot. They let their guards go. I’ve seen how they’ve been playing, even with some injuries. They’re big on letting their guards play and help them win the game.”
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