Scouting Report: Nigel James

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Now that the off-season is here, I will post my thoughts on Marquette's incoming recruits. I have watched at least one full length game for each, in addition to extended highlights.

I will start with Nigel James, since I've seen him the most: 5 games between his junior and senior year.  Feel free to ask any followup questions.

Physical and Athletic Profile

Reported measurements
6-0/182
6-3 wingspan

Not the biggest PG, but similar size to Dominic James, if not slightly bigger. Nigel has decent strength already, but I think he could add still 5-10 pounds of muscle to get up to 190.

Athleticism rivals that of Dominic as well, but I'd say Dominic has a slight edge.  Nigel has serious jets in the open court, and he has enough vertical pop to dunk in transition or occasionally block a shot.

Nigel also has very good stop and start ability, which I will touch on more later.

Offense Strengths

One Nigel's biggest strengths is his ball handling. Comfortable dribbling with both hands, Nigel will breakdown a defense with a strong crossover dribble and/or hesitation moves. His stop and start ability allows Nigel to hesitate, change direction, and get driving toward the rim.

Nigel has the vision and passing ability of a true floor general, reminding me of Junior Cadougan.  Will spot the open man and can execute a wide variety of passes, including many one handed passes.  Nigel will drive and kick to shooters in the corner, hang in the air under the rim and kick out to the wing, and hit bigmen with lobs or bounce passes depending on the situation. In transition, Nigel can throw 40 foot passes over the defense to a teammate streaking for a layup or make long passes ahead to shooters. Nigel can also make one handed passes of the dribble with both his right and left hands.

Despite being smaller, Nigel has the ability to finish at the rim with either hand. Good understanding of angles and use of the backboard. Nigel has the ability to hang in the air and maneuver around defenders. Sometimes he uses a wrong-footed finish to throw off the defenders timing to block a shot. Nigel can also finish over defenders with a one-handed bankshot/runner.

Offensive concerns

My biggest concern is shooting. Nigel has very little elevation on his three point shots, and a low release point. His shooting motion starts at chin level, rather than higher positions like the forehead or above the shoulder. Very hard to see this shooting motion being effective in college.

Size is a slight concern, in regards to finishing at the next level. There are times where Nigel gets swallowed up by bigger defenders, but overall I think he will be ok.

Defensive Strengths

Nigel gets into a low defensive stance and uses his agility well to move side to side, sticking with ball handlers.

Nigel has active hands and will generate steals. Has strong hands and will use two hands to rip the ball away from opponents, particularly when double teaming.

Willing to fight over screens, usually sticking with his assignments but will switch when necessary.

Defensive concerns

Sometimes gets caught ball watching, resulting his man getting an open shot or layup.

Freelances at times, looking for steals. Sometimes he the steal, but other times it results in his man getting either an open three or cutting for a layup.

Once in awhile, Nigel gets beat off the dribble due to poor focus and technique. He either turns his hips too far, opening up a driving for the dribbler, gets caught flat footed, or gets a bit too aggressive, and too close to the ball handler. This doesn't happen often, and should be correctable.

Playing style

His HS runs a lot of pick and roll, drive and kick on offense. Not exactly like Marquette's system, but enough similarities that I think Nigel will fit in well and have a smooth transition.

Defensively, Nigel plays with the edge and aggressiveness Shaka desires. Nigel is a strong defender, and was named EYBL DPOY. He just has a few things to clean up, but coaching and attention to detail should turn him into a really strong defender at the college level.

Nigel usually comes off the bench, but his team is loaded with a 5 star junior PG and two top 50 senior SGs. Will cheer on his teammates from the bench and remain engaged in the game.

Fun facts

1) Played two years at Cushing Academy, including one year with Chase Ross.

2) Long Island Lutheran teammates included Kiyan Anthony (Carmelo's son) and VJ Edgecomb (Baylor/projected 1-and-done lottery pick).

Expectations

Nigel should be one of our better handlers right away, and he is a better passer than Sean Jones was coming out of HS. Sean averaged around 12-13 mpg as a freshman, and I think Nigel can handle similar playing time, if not more. Nigel projects to be a starting PG by his junior year at the latest. How quickly he develops remains to be seen. His long-term upside most closely resembles players like Dominic James and Tony Miller: strong ball handler, good passer, good defender, subpar shooter.

[DoctorV]

Excellent work, thank you.
Appreciate the effort in putting these together

[Big Papi]

Thanks for the info. 

Seems like he is going to battle with Tre for backup minutes at the point and the key will be who is the better defender since both are not good outside shooters.  Tre will have the edge.
 I really can't envision 2 diminutive players, Sean and Nigel, playing at the same time so I don't envision Nigel getting a lot of minutes this season but there is a long way to go until November.  Lots of improvement is needed from everyone newcomers and those returning.

Here is where I wish Shaka would look to recruit point guards who at least have a decent outside shot.  We will have 3 players at the so-called point guard position and none are good shooters.  Yikes.

[Uncle Rico]

Thank you for this.  Nice analysis

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Thanks for the info. 

Seems like he is going to battle with Tre for backup minutes at the point and the key will be who is the better defender since both are not good outside shooters.  Tre will have the edge.
 I really can't envision 2 diminutive players, Sean and Nigel, playing at the same time so I don't envision Nigel getting a lot of minutes this season but there is a long way to go until November.  Lots of improvement is needed from everyone newcomers and those returning.

Here is where I wish Shaka would look to recruit point guards who at least have a decent outside shot.  We will have 3 players at the so-called point guard position and none are good shooters.  Yikes.

I think Nigel beats out Tre for the backup PG spot, and as a sophomore pushes Sean for the starting spot.

Nigel is a much better passer than Tre. He also has a much tighter handle and can breakdown defenses to generate shots for his teammates.

In one game I watched, Nigel defended 5 star PG Darius Acuff (IMG Academy/Arkansas commit) and held his own. If Nigel can clean up the 2-3 defensive lapses per game, and become a bit more disciplined, his defense will be every bit as good as Sean's.

Tre has not progressed as much as hoped.  I think he needs massive improvement to make the rotation next year.
 

[100AcreNation]

Freelances at times, looking for steals. Sometimes he the steal, but other times it results in his man getting either an open three or cutting for a layup.

Obviously this habit can be detrimental if he doesn't get the steal, but I would have to assume Shaka and staff can help him with his awareness and timing like they did with Stevie. Excellent writeup!

[Markusquette]

Drink every time you read Nigel.

Thx for the recap of what you watched.

[MU82]

Thanks for the thorough report. Very helpful.

You have seen Nigel play more than I have, but I have seen him some. And I definitely agree with this line from your report:

Sean averaged around 12-13 mpg as a freshman, and I think Nigel can handle similar playing time, if not more.

Though some like to say Shaka doesn't play freshmen or doesn't "like" freshmen, and while I know that's a generalization, it's also wrong. He played Sean, he played Kam, he played Chase, he played Royce. If you play well enough to show you can be a valuable part of the rotation, Shaka will play you.

[Captain Quette]

Great analysis, thank you.

[Big Papi]

Thanks for the thorough report. Very helpful.

You have seen Nigel play more than I have, but I have seen him some. And I definitely agree with this line from your report:

Sean averaged around 12-13 mpg as a freshman, and I think Nigel can handle similar playing time, if not more.

Though some like to say Shaka doesn't play freshmen or doesn't "like" freshmen, and while I know that's a generalization, it's also wrong. He played Sean, he played Kam, he played Chase, he played Royce. If you play well enough to show you can be a valuable part of the rotation, Shaka will play you.

It's not about being a freshmen.  Freshmen that are not ranked super high, usually take time to adjust to the physicality and speed of the collegiate game.  This will be Tre's third year at MU and he will have a leg up in physicality, speed of play and experience.  For as good as Nigel might look against high school players, he has 2 players ahead of him.  That he does not have a good outside shot, it will make it difficult to play him on the court at the same time as Tre.  That he is short, doesn't bode well for playing at the same time as Sean. 

I get that he is the shiny new object but there are reasons why every coach out there other than Shaka is using the portal to go get experienced players.  They have a leg up on incoming freshmen.

I also get the huge negativity towards Tre.  He is a lot of shortcomings that make him look bad, but Tre will provide experience, defense. leadership and EGBs that Shaka loves.

I will be pleasantly surprised if he plays more than 10 minutes a game come Big East play if Sean and Tre are healthy.

Now if any of the freshmen can shoot lights out from distance or are rebounding savants, they will carve out playing time.

[mileskishnish72]

Nice writeup, Mix. Thanks.

[MU82]

It's not about being a freshmen.  Freshmen that are not ranked super high, usually take time to adjust to the physicality and speed of the collegiate game.  This will be Tre's third year at MU and he will have a leg up in physicality, speed of play and experience.  For as good as Nigel might look against high school players, he has 2 players ahead of him.  That he does not have a good outside shot, it will make it difficult to play him on the court at the same time as Tre.  That he is short, doesn't bode well for playing at the same time as Sean. 

I get that he is the shiny new object but there are reasons why every coach out there other than Shaka is using the portal to go get experienced players.  They have a leg up on incoming freshmen.

I also get the huge negativity towards Tre.  He is a lot of shortcomings that make him look bad, but Tre will provide experience, defense. leadership and EGBs that Shaka loves.

I will be pleasantly surprised if he plays more than 10 minutes a game come Big East play if Sean and Tre are healthy.

Now if any of the freshmen can shoot lights out from distance or are rebounding savants, they will carve out playing time.

Shaka obviously likes and values Tre. And yet, over the last 5 games, Shaka gave Tre a total of 9 minutes of PT.

Norman won't be "ahead" of James in the rotation if James demonstrates to Shaka that he is the better player. Shaka wants to win; IMHO he won't play Tre "just because."

We're all speculating here, including me, because that's all we can do months before practice for next season even starts. 

[onepost]

This is AWESOME. Thanks JAM.

[BM1090]

Shaka obviously likes and values Tre. And yet, over the last 5 games, Shaka gave Tre a total of 9 minutes of PT.

Norman won't be "ahead" of James in the rotation if James demonstrates to Shaka that he is the better player. Shaka wants to win; IMHO he won't play Tre "just because."

We're all speculating here, including me, because that's all we can do months before practice for next season even starts. 

I'd bet he rolls with Tre at the start of the year regardless of who is performing better. Once we get to the last ten games, all bets are off

[MU82]

I'd bet he rolls with Tre at the start of the year regardless of who is performing better. Once we get to the last ten games, all bets are off

What if James significantly outplays Norman at practice for a solid month before the season opens? That might not happen. Maybe Norman will be the most improved player in the Big East next season. But I'm having a hard time believing that James wouldn't get more PT if he's undeniably the better player. We'll see!

[PJDunn]

Agreed. We will be "making plans for Nigel" by mid February.

[MuggsyB]

Bam!!!  Tyvm. 

[wadesworld]

Thanks for doing this! Looking forward to the rest of the recruits. And hoping maybe we add some that aren't signed up yet!

[DoctorV]

We're all speculating here, including me, because that's all we can do months before practice for next season even starts. 

I'm not buying any of the reports until the ball is tipped and I see it with my own eyes, but I'm reading all of the reports because I'm a sucker for hope

[BCHoopster]

Tre can play Shaka D but offensively he is just not quick enough to be a difference on the offensive side, oh yeah two years of watching that pitiful shot is more then enough, needs to take 500 shots a day this summer, minimum.

[MuggsyB]

Tre can play Shaka D but offensively he is just not quick enough to be a difference on the offensive side, oh yeah two years of watching that pitiful shot is more then enough, needs to take 500 shots a day this summer, minimum.

Quickness isn't the issue. 

[BCHoopster]

Quickness isn't the issue. 

What's your take?

[BrewCity83]

Agreed. We will be "making plans for Nigel" by mid February.

We only want what's best for him.

[bilsu]

I think he has a chance to start. However, barring injury to another player, he has to earn the starting job by the first game. I do not see Shaka changing his starting line up once the season starts.

I am assuming he is actually bigger than Sean Jones and I am still worried about Sean's knee.

[MuMark]

He's bigger than Sean......a few inches taller would be my guess.

Good write up.......i have seen him a bunch. If he can make enough shots to be respected out there he can be really good.

[DoctorV]

He's bigger than Sean......a few inches taller would be my guess.

Good write up.......i have seen him a bunch. If he can make enough shots to be respected out there he can be really good.

Can't be stronger than Sean, or Tre for that matter, can he?

[MuMark]

Can't be stronger than Sean, or Tre for that matter, can he?

Yeah not yet.......but he's a tough kid who isn't weak for his size and will get stronger.....like all freshman.

What I like is he plays with an edge........definitely a dog in the best sense.

[JoanofArcMascot]

I will be shocked if James is not the starting PG for every healthy game of his Marquette career. As many accurately have pointed out here, Shaka is a big Sean Jones fan. One reason for that is Jones' terrific, team-first attitude. Players like that don't care if they start, and his versatile skillset makes him a fit at PG and SG. His speed and quickness energize a team, especially coming off the bench. Starters minutes? Sure. Starter. Why? James is a pure PG who will have a terrific career. He gets starters' minutes in high school and gets the most minutes by far at the point for the team. Don't let sixth-man status fool you. Maybe there are family reasons for that. If I'm not mistaken, the starting PG's brother is best prospect on the team and a junior. Keep the family happy. James isn't a great shooter, but a better shooter than Junior Cadougan, who was at PG for two Sweet 16 and one Elite Eight teams. He also is a far better shooter than Tre Norman, an excellent defender and an underrated passer, but tough to put on the court unless he improves his FT shooting and completely reworks his shot, maybe lowering the release point.

[Vander Blue Man Group]

I will be shocked if James is not the starting PG for every healthy game of his Marquette career. As many accurately have pointed out here, Shaka is a big Sean Jones fan. One reason for that is Jones' terrific, team-first attitude. Players like that don't care if they start, and his versatile skillset makes him a fit at PG and SG. His speed and quickness energize a team, especially coming off the bench. Starters minutes? Sure. Starter. Why? James is a pure PG who will have a terrific career. He gets starters' minutes in high school and gets the most minutes by far at the point for the team. Don't let sixth-man status fool you. Maybe there are family reasons for that. If I'm not mistaken, the starting PG's brother is best prospect on the team and a junior. Keep the family happy. James isn't a great shooter, but a better shooter than Junior Cadougan, who was at PG for two Sweet 16 and one Elite Eight teams. He also is a far better shooter than Tre Norman, an excellent defender and an underrated passer, but tough to put on the court unless he improves his FT shooting and completely reworks his shot, maybe lowering the release point.

IF both guys are healthy I'd be absolutely shocked if Nigel starts over Sean.  Anything is possible but I don't see it happening.

[The Sultan]

I will be shocked if James is not the starting PG for every healthy game of his Marquette career. As many accurately have pointed out here, Shaka is a big Sean Jones fan. One reason for that is Jones' terrific, team-first attitude. Players like that don't care if they start, and his versatile skillset makes him a fit at PG and SG. His speed and quickness energize a team, especially coming off the bench. Starters minutes? Sure. Starter. Why? James is a pure PG who will have a terrific career. He gets starters' minutes in high school and gets the most minutes by far at the point for the team. Don't let sixth-man status fool you. Maybe there are family reasons for that. If I'm not mistaken, the starting PG's brother is best prospect on the team and a junior. Keep the family happy. James isn't a great shooter, but a better shooter than Junior Cadougan, who was at PG for two Sweet 16 and one Elite Eight teams. He also is a far better shooter than Tre Norman, an excellent defender and an underrated passer, but tough to put on the court unless he improves his FT shooting and completely reworks his shot, maybe lowering the release point.

I would be shocked if a true freshman starts at point over a healthy redshirt junior. And don't do the mental gymnastics - Shaka will start whomever earn the role. Not because of who is related to whom.

[JoanofArcMascot]

The relative reference explained why the high school point guard starts over James. His brother, a junior superstar, I believe is already committed and not being recruited by Marquette. Again, I will be shocked if James does not start because I believe he will be best suited to the PG position and he and Jones likely will get similar overall minutes.

[The Sultan]

The relative reference explained why the high school point guard starts over James. His brother, a junior superstar, I believe is already committed and not being recruited by Marquette. Again, I will be shocked if James does not start because I believe he will be best suited to the PG position and he and Jones likely will get similar overall minutes.

You should never be shocked that a freshman doesn't start. He may...and that would be great actually because that would mean he's pretty good...but hyping up freshman is a long honored Scoop tradition.

[TallTitan34]

...but hyping up freshman is a long honored Scoop tradition.

Followed by crapping on the same freshman after one season.

[The Sultan]

Followed by crapping on the same freshman after one season game.

FIFY

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

The relative reference explained why the high school point guard starts over James. His brother, a junior superstar, I believe is already committed and not being recruited by Marquette. Again, I will be shocked if James does not start because I believe he will be best suited to the PG position and he and Jones likely will get similar overall minutes.

You seem to be a bit confused.  Here's the real situation for Long Island Lutheran's starting lineup:

PG Dylan Mingo 6-5
5 star junior/9th overall on 247 composite index (uncommitted)

CG Kaden Mingo 6-2
4 star senior/38th overall on 247 composite index (Penn State commit)

SG Kiyan Anthony 6-5
4 star senior/34th overall on 247 composite index (Syracuse commit)


PF MJ Madison 6-9
4 star junior/63rd overall on 247 composite index (uncommitted)

C Niko Onyekwere 7-1
3 star senior (decommitted from Florida State)

Bench

PG Nigel James 6-0
4 star senior/83rd on 247 composite index (Marquette)


SF 6-8 Moussa Kamissoko
5 star sophomore/13th overall on 247 composite index

C 6-11 Omar Essam
Unranked Jr

So, Nigel came off the bench (most games) because his HS team was loaded, not due to any ulterior motive. 

[Jay Bee]

Tre 2 start.

Nigel - love the start/stop shiftiness. Another guy that will be fun/entertaining to watch.

Worry will be a 20%+ turnover rate as a frosh. Our TO% saved our offense last season -- a real concern this coming year.

[TallTitan34]

I'm hopeful the defensive background of some of the guys puts them a little ahead of the curve defensively and gets them more minutes than a usual freshman. 

[willie warrior]

You seem to be a bit confused.  Here's the real situation for Long Island Lutheran's starting lineup:

PG Dylan Mingo 6-5
5 star junior/9th overall on 247 composite index (uncommitted)

CG Kaden Mingo 6-2
4 star senior/38th overall on 247 composite index (Penn State commit)

SG Kiyan Anthony 6-5
4 star senior/34th overall on 247 composite index (Syracuse commit)


PF MJ Madison 6-9
4 star junior/63rd overall on 247 composite index (uncommitted)

C Niko Onyekwere 7-1
3 star senior (decommitted from Florida State)

Bench

PG Nigel James 6-0
4 star senior/83rd on 247 composite index (Marquette)


SF 6-8 Moussa Kamissoko
5 star sophomore/13th overall on 247 composite index

C 6-11 Omar Essam
Unranked Jr

So, Nigel came off the bench (most games) because his HS team was loaded, not due to any ulterior motive. 

On paper, looks like this team could have handled MU this year, Shaka's weakest team since first year.

[Hards Alumni]

On paper, looks like this team could have handled MU this year, Shaka's weakest team since first year.

Well, to be fair, on paper you're a dumbass.

But in reality, you're also a dumbass if you think Marquette would have been handled by a bunch of high schoolers this year.

[TallTitan34]

On paper, looks like this team could have handled MU this year, Shaka's weakest team since first year.

WILLLIEBRRRIICCCCCCKKKKKKK

[JoanofArcMascot]

Not confused. Thought he was much better than Kaden Mingo, the senior. Don't care what ratings say. Probably rated higher cuz he starts and James comes off the bench. It's my opinion that is the case to placate family so that super talented brother doesn't bolt. You disagree, which is fine. That doesn't mean you are confused. It means you disagree. No need to get your feathers ruffled at anyone who doesn't spout company line. Disagreement is healthy. Don't feel threatened by it.

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Not confused. Thought he was much better than Kaden Mingo, the senior. Don't care what ratings say. Probably rated higher cuz he starts and James comes off the bench. It's my opinion that is the case to placate family so that super talented brother doesn't bolt. You disagree, which is fine. That doesn't mean you are confused. It means you disagree. No need to get your feathers ruffled at anyone who doesn't spout company line. Disagreement is healthy. Don't feel threatened by it.

Not threatened at all. I was just confused by your previous post. Thanks for clarifying.

I guess we will disagree on our assessments of Kaden Mingo and Nigel James.  Kaden is a quality prospect headed to a B1G school. Kaden is bigger than Nigel, plus a better shooter and scorer; plays more like a SG. Nigel is a better passer and defender; plays more like a PG.

Since Dylan Mingo can play the point, I think the coach decided to start his two best shooters and scorers alongside him.  That would be Kaden Mingo and Kiyan Anthony.

In my opinion, Kaden has enough merit to start for LILu regardless of who his brother is.  I don't think Nigel came off the bench due to, what I think, sounds like a conspiracy theory.

[BCHoopster]

Shaka will have to change the D this year due to the size of the little guards. It would be nice if Norman can be in the end of games for his  D, but for that to happen he has to be able to shoot free throws.  James being a little bigger and seems to be physical D player, might be the end of games player, if he can make throws.  I see a lot of O and D changes at end of games. Or Ross, Lowery and Owens in as they all are good free throw shooters, interesting problems!

[Uncle Rico]

Shaka will have to change the D this year due to the size of the little guards. It would be nice if Norman can be in the end of games for his  D, but for that to happen he has to be able to shoot free throws.  James being a little bigger and seems to be physical D player, might be the end of games player, if he can make throws.  I see a lot of O and D changes at end of games. Or Ross, Lowery and Owens in as they all are good free throw shooters, interesting problems!

FTS no matta

[tower912]

I would agree, and have stated, that MU will have to tweak their defense.  We saw when they were freshmen and sophomores that teams would force switches to put Gold on the perimeter and Sean on the post.  Forcing mismatches is a staple of offense.

There was a little more of only switching 1-4 and having Ben stay home on the big later in the season.  He would hedge and recover on the high pick and roll, a la Otule.

This is one of the reasons I see Tre getting more time than others do.   It is likely that Jones and James are going to be the smallest guards in the Big East.  They will be targets for switches when in the game.   Sean showed himself to be a very good on ball defender and adept at jumping passing lanes.  Hopefully, James is the same.   But it is always going to be a challenge if the opponent has somebody else bring the ball up and force the <6 footers to play in the paint.   Physics and basketball math.