The University of Louisville men’s basketball program, under the leadership of head coach Pat Kelsey, announced Tuesday the signing of transfer James Scott to the 2024-25 roster.
The 6-foot-11 forward rejoins Kelsey after a promising freshman season together at the College of Charleston.
“James Scott reminds me of a young Marcus Camby,” said Kelsey. “He’s earned a reputation as one of the premier lob-threats in the NCAA. James played last season as the third youngest player in the country but has a level of maturity that exceeds his age. On the defensive end, he’s extremely versatile and can guard every position. One of my favorite aspects of his game is his extremely underrated passing ability. His basketball IQ is exceptional, and his future is extraordinarily bright.”
Scott, a Fayetteville, N.C., native, made a significant impact during his freshman season, earning a spot on the Coastal Athletic Association All-Rookie Team. Despite averaging just 16.1 minutes per outing, Scott showcased his talent, averaging 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Impressively, Scott made 76 of 96 shots from the field for an outstanding 79.2% clip, highlighting his efficiency in the paint. Additionally, he contributed on the defensive end with 21 steals and displayed his passing ability with 22 assists. Notably, 52 of his 76 made shots were dunks, ranking him in the top 25 nationally for dunks despite his limited playing time.
Throughout his debut season, Scott earned CAA Rookie of the Week honors twice and reached double figures in scoring six times, including a career-high 14 points in back-to-back games against The Citadel and Coastal Carolina. He entered the 2023-24 season as the fourth-youngest player in Division I, indicating his potential for growth and development.
Scott was a consensus three-star recruit by 247Sports out of E.E. Smith High School in North Carolina. He garnered recognition as the Most Improved Player by the Fayetteville Observer after the 2021-22 season, demonstrating his dedication to enhancing his skills and contributing to his team’s success.
With his combination of size, athleticism, defensive versatility, and burgeoning offensive skills, Scott is poised to make a significant impact on the Louisville men’s basketball program in the upcoming season and beyond.
