Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Who Are Sion James’ Parents? Take a Look at Family Background of 2025 NBA Draft No. 33 Pick

Here is everything you should know about the family background of Sion James.

Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Sion James, a versatile guard from Sugar Hill, Georgia, was selected by the Charlotte Hornets with the 33rd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. He joins fellow Duke teammate and 4th-overall pick Kon Knueppel in the team. James began making waves at Lanier High School, where he averaged 14.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game as a junior. His all-around game and leadership earned him a spot at Tulane University in 2020, where he cracked the starting lineup as a freshman and quickly became a key piece for the Green Wave.

In his first collegiate season, James put up 5.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game. His development was steady, and by his junior year, he was not only contributing across the stat sheet, averaging 9.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, but also earning the American Athletic Conference’s Sportsmanship Award. He would win the same honor again in his senior season, while averaging 14 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 steals.

With the 33rd pick of the NBA Draft, the @hornets select Sion James (@SionJames14)!

Second Round of the 2025 #NBADraft presented by State Farm is LIVE on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/NcN9TE9fXx
— NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2025

After four strong years at Tulane, James entered the NCAA transfer portal and landed with the Duke Blue Devils. According to Sports Reference, he has appeared in 139 college games, tallying 1,420 points, 683 rebounds, 452 assists, and 219 steals, with a cumulative record of 93-60.

Who are Sion James’ parents?

Sion James is the son of Carol Ottey-James and Elbridge James, according to Tulane’s team bio. Basketball runs deep in the family, as Elbridge played college football, and Sion’s older brother, Jehloni, now plays basketball at Georgia Tech.

Sion James has been a defensive stalwart in today’s combine scrimmages.

6’6, 8’4 reach — exceptional instinct, physicality + defensive playmaking on display. A surefire impact player that’ll be a STEAL in the 2nd round. pic.twitter.com/YCz4i9lM7T
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) May 15, 2025

Who is Sion James’ mother?

Sion James mother is Carol Ottey-James. However, no further information is available about her in the public domain.

Who is Sion James’ father?

Sion James’ father, Elbridge James, played college basketball at Binghamton when it competed as a Division III program. But no further information is available about him.

Also Read: Who Are Johni Broome’s Parents? A Look at the Family Behind Former Auburn Star Forward

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Rudra Dubey

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.