Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball news, recruiting and analysis … Today, our team previews continue with….

Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball news, recruiting and analysis … Today, our team previews continue with….

James, a native of Artesia, California, averaged 1.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 46 blocked shots during his time at South Carolina State. His statistics may not stand out offensively, but his ability to contest and alter shots at the rim highlights his value on defense. Over his career, James has shot 56.2% from the floor, underscoring his efficiency when taking limited shot opportunities [[❞]](https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-announces-addition-of-7-footer-dallas-james-to-2024-25-roster/) [[❞]](https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2024/7/30/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-adds-south-carolina-state-transfer-dallas-james).

Academically, James is as accomplished as he is athletically. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA, earning a degree in electrical engineering technology. This combination of intelligence and athleticism will be an asset to the Hoosiers as they continue to develop their frontcourt for the upcoming season [[❞]](https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-announces-addition-of-7-footer-dallas-james-to-2024-25-roster/). James also comes from a strong basketball background—his father, Jerome James, played in the NBA for over a decade with teams like the Sacramento Kings, Seattle SuperSonics, and New York Knicks. This familial connection to professional basketball provides Dallas with unique insights into the game, which could contribute to his development at Indiana [[❞]](https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2024/7/30/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-adds-south-carolina-state-transfer-dallas-james).

Indiana head coach Mike Woodson spoke highly of James’ potential, noting that his size and defensive skill set will provide crucial depth to the team’s front line. “He is a tall kid with long arms that can contest and alter shots at the rim,” Woodson remarked, emphasizing how James’ presence will help bolster the team’s interior defense [[❞]](https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-announces-addition-of-7-footer-dallas-james-to-2024-25-roster/) [[❞]](https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2024/7/30/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-adds-south-carolina-state-transfer-dallas-james). With a talented frontcourt already in place, including players like Malik Reneau and Omar Ballo, James is expected to sharpen his skills by competing daily against some of the best big men in the Big Ten [[❞]](https://hoosierillustrated.com/video-in-depth-breakdown-of-dallas-james-his-fit-and-what-he-will-bring-to-indiana-basketball/).

While James is not likely to be a leading offensive force, his role as a defensive specialist fits into Indiana’s broader strategy. The Hoosiers will rely on him to protect the rim and help control the boards, which are essential tasks in the competitive Big Ten. His intelligence, both on and off the court, combined with his NBA pedigree, adds a layer of depth and experience to the roster.

This late addition to the Hoosiers’ squad completes their scholarship roster, putting them in a solid position as they prepare for the 2024-25 season. With James on board, Indiana has another piece in place for a deep run in what promises to be a challenging season [[❞]](https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-basketball-announces-addition-of-7-footer-dallas-james-to-2024-25-roster/) [[❞]](https://iuhoosiers.com/news/2024/7/30/mens-basketball-mens-basketball-adds-south-carolina-state-transfer-dallas-james).