James Brown is a top-ranked basketball player for Link Academy in Branson, Missouri. He also plays for Mokan Elite, which is a part of the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). The 6-foot-9 rising high school senior is a 247 Sports 4-star recruit and is currently the ESPN 62nd-ranked player in the class of 2024. In addition, Brown is a two-time Pangos All-American. Earlier this year, Brown committed to the North Carolina Tarheels. Here are three things he will contribute to the team in 2024.
North Carolina Basketball: 3 Things James Brown Contributes in 2024
Brief History
Prior to transferring to Link Academy, Brown attended St. Rita Catholic high school in Chicago, Illinois. He started his basketball campaign averaging 7.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He showed tremendous improvement during his sophomore year, leaping to 11.7 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks in 19 minutes per game. For his last year at St. Rita, he nearly averaged a double-double again.
1. Reliable Scoring
The first thing James Brown will bring to the Tarheels is reliable scoring. He is a dependable scorer in the post and often gets many second-chance points for his team. Moreover, Brown has the ability to make mid-range jumpers, three-pointers, and he catches the occasional lob for a dunk. One of his best offensive skills is his lethal slashing ability. He can put the ball on the floor and get to the rim quickly. Here is a compilation of highlights that demonstrate Brown’s various offensive skills. His scoring will allow the Tarheels to have a well-balanced offensive attack in the future.
2. Elite Rim-Protecting Ability
During his sophomore season at St. Rita, Brown averaged 0.8 blocks per 19 minutes. This would translate to 1.6 blocks for 38 minutes of a 40-minute college basketball game, which would rank him in the upper echelon of Division 1 shot blockers. As Brown continues to play on his new team, his shot-blocking numbers should go up. He has the potential to be an elite rim protector in the future at North Carolina.
3. Superb Passing
One of James Brown’s most underrated qualities is his superb passing. For someone his size, he passes the ball with ease and accuracy. In the previous highlight video, scroll to the 0:07, 0:42, and 1:12 marks. Brown pushes the ball down the floor well, making outlet passes and inside dishes look effortless. His passing ability increases his offensive versatility and will be a useful weapon for North Carolina. The Tarheels can rely on him to be a secondary playmaker and attack opposing teams in a variety of ways.
Last Word: Brown is a Great Addition & Continues to Improve
James Brown continues to improve with each competition. Most recently, he helped Mokan Elite to the Final Four of the Nike EYBL Peach Jam Tournament. After averaging 8 points per game through the first 11 games of The Circuit, he scored a season-high 18 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and shot 85% on free throws in the Peach Jam tournament opener.
With the conclusion of Peach Jam, Brown’s AAU season comes to a close. Brown looks ahead to his senior season at Link Academy. Soon enough, he will be a key piece for the 2024-25 North Carolina Tarheels.
