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Walter Ford starred for the Faith Academy basketball team while James was in junior high school before James went on to become a two-time all-state performer for the Cougars.
Now James will rejoin his brother at Southwest Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie after signing a letter of intent with the NAIA school Tuesday.
Even though Walter doesn’t play basketball for the Lions, James said having his brother there on campus was a big reason he chose SWAGU over Dallas Baptist, Oklahoma Wesleyan, St. Edward’s and Texas-Permian Basin.
“Me and my brother are very close,” said James, who averaged 29.6 points and 12.8 rebounds per game last season in leading the Cougars to a 25-9 record. “Walter guides me on what to do on the court and off the court. He’s a big role model in my life.”
James scored 21 points in a TAPPS all-star game last month. It was there where he caught the eye of SWAGU coach Jerry Boone.
“They believe I could be in the lineup,” James said. “Even if I don’t start, I should still get some playing time and work my way into a starting position.”
James, who plans to major in either music or psychology, said he is relieved to have the opportunity to take his game to the collegiate level.
“I’m very excited,” he said. “I’ve always dreamed of playing at the next level. I look forward to the challenge of playing against players from all over the country.”