Aziaha James: A Versatile Scorer and Leader

For Aziaha James, getting drafted is a dream come true.

“Girl, there’s a lot coming your way. A lot of doors are going to be closing but more is going to be opening. Stay patient, keep working. You’re going to get your turn, and the light is going to shine on you one day” said James regarding words of encouragement she would give her younger self.

Now that the Dallas Wings made her an official member of the team with the No. 12 selection in the first round, the franchise has a lot to look forward to. The Wings have added one of the most versatile and dynamic guards in the 2025 draft class.

Carolina’s finest

The 5’10 guard from NC State was named to the All-ACC First Team for two consecutive seasons and earned AP All-America Honorable Mention honors. James led the Wolfpack in scoring during her final two years, averaging a career-best 17.9 points per game this past season, and also contributed 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

James attributes her development as a guard to none other than Wes Moore and the NC State program that he’s built.

“They [the coaching staff] push us day in and day out. Leading to the teammates and the players, the former players that come back to the games and teach us things….for the future people that’s looking at NC State, just go to a home game and just feel the energy and the love that we bring and just see for yourself.”

Wings Up

For James, she will have the ability to learn from some of the best shot creators in the game. Arike Ogunbowale is a dynamic scoring guard, and her ability to score is very similar to James’s game.

James, in the open court or in the half-court setting, has the ability to create her own shot and contribute as both a scorer and a playmaker. The presence she brings to a basketball court makes her an immediate threat. Additionally, she’s no stranger to thriving in clutch moments, and that experience during those high-stakes times will serve her well as she transitions to the WNBA game.

The Dallas Wings Backcourt

Currently, though, there’s a logjam in the backcourt:

Paige Bueckers, DiJonai Carrington, Arike Ogunbowale, Ty Harris, and now James. Due to the heavy competition on the team, James will have to find herself clawing for minutes. Though it might seem like a tall task for her to stick with the Wings on their opening day roster (I’m banking on James making the team, FYI. She’s one of the most dynamic scorers in the class. I have the utmost confidence that she will stick on this team), James believes she can make this roster and make an impact when her time is called.

“You know, I feel like they bring a lot to the team already. I feel like I can just find my space, be myself, see what we’re missing, and I feel like I can fill that void. I’m ready to be that rookie that brings a clapping hand in practice and on the bench. I’m ready for my number to be called. I’m ready to just be there and just feel the experience and just be ready.”

In her rookie season, when James gets time on the court, expect her to contribute immediately, both as a primary scorer and as a playmaker. Her all-around game and ability to impact the game in a variety of ways will make her a valuable piece for the Dallas Wings.