Rivals150 guard James commits to OU
2015 shooting guard Christian James committed to play basketball at Oklahoma next season -- on his birthday.
James announced his decision to join the Sooners on Thursday afternoon at Bellaire (Texas) High School just four days after taking his official visit to Norman.
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"I would say it feels like a big family there, and I love the coaching staff and the players," said James of his reason for committing. "They just made me feel like I was apart of Oklahoma already."
Oklahoma coaches Lon Kruger and assistant Lew Hill relayed to James he could become an important part of a program that is on the rise if he continues to progress as a player. Hill relationship with James was a factor in the Rivals150 recruit's decision.
"They said if I come in and work hard, if I come in and just be aggressive -- offensively and defensively -- I should be fine," he said.
James is the third commitment this year for OU. He joins three-star wing and fellow Texas native Rashard Odomes as well as top junior college prospect Akolda Manyang in this year's class.
He was highly regarded for his physical play and ability to get his teammates involved in the game. The 6-foot-4 wing hopes to bring more of the same to OU.
"I bring toughness, the ability to make my teammates better and also make myself better as a person off the court and on the court," James said.
James is expected to help contribute to the Sooners at the shooting guard and small forward positions.
"They want me to be aggressive and run the floor and make my teammates better and rebound," he said.