NJCAA Division II National Player of the Year joins CSU hoops

Roster additions continued Thursday for Larry Eustachy as the program announced the signing of Deion James to a National Letter of Intent. The 6-8 junior forward will be active for the 2017-18 and have two years of eligibility remaining.

Last season at Pima Junior College, James dominated league play en route to being named the NJCAA Division II National Player of the Year. James averaged better than 20 points per game to go with 9.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists. The standout from Tuscon was also named First Team NJCAA All-American, First Team All-Region and the Region I / Arizona Community College Athletic Association (ACCAC) Co-Player of the Year.

James upped his game even more so for the regional tournament in which he averaged 26 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.5 blocks, earning the championship game’s Most Valuable Player award.

Said Eustachy via a press release: “We are extremely excited to add Deion to our program. He brings a versatile skill set along with his size that isn’t something you see often. Not only was he the NJCAA Division II National Player of the Year, but he led his team to the most wins in school history as well as a berth in the national tournament. He is a winner and a team player that we are beyond excited to add to the family.”

James, Logan Ryan, Lonzia Tyson, Kris Martin and Raquan Mitchell make up the quintet of this season’s signing class for Eustachy.