Aziaha James recently declared for the WNBA Draft following NC State’s Sweet 16 loss to LCU, alongside graduate students Madison Hayes and Saniya Rivers. As she embarks on her professional career, she’ll be thrust into the limelight along with her talented family.
Who is Ashley James? The Brother of NC State’s Aziaha James
James entered the WNBA Draft after a heartfelt note following her college career.
“As this chapter closes, I step into the next with a heart full of gratitude and memories that will last a lifetime,” James wrote. “Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything.”
Growing up, Aziaha learned basketball from her older brother, Ashley James. The two became the first pair of siblings ever to be named All-Tidewater in Virginia, with Ashley going on to be named regional player of the year during his senior season.
Following his standout high school career, Ashley accepted a scholarship to play NCAA basketball at Missouri State. He also received offers from Fresno State, Murray State, VCU and others. However, before he could make the next step, tragedy struck.
In March 2020, The Springfield News-Leader reported that Ashley had died in an accidental shooting. He was reportedly handling a firearm when it discharged, killing him.
Isiaih Mosley, who played at Missouri at the time and would have been Ashley’s teammate, reacted to the news on social media.
“Crazy, really going to be my teammate next year. I’m praying for the James family,” Mosley wrote.
NC State Star Credits Her Brother as Her Hero.
During the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Aziaha and the Wolfpack made a historic run that few expected. NC State entered the season unranked in the preseason polls but went on to reach the Final Four, where they were eventually eliminated by the South Carolina Gamecocks. Aziaha scored 20 points in the loss.
Aziaha’s mother, Latoya Jackson, credited Ashley for the team’s inspiring run in an interview with Branson Wright.
“I can feel my son’s presence when she plays,” Jackson said. “And knowing that he’s watching over her from heaven and cheering her every step along the way. He’s guiding her toward the victory she’s so much looking for.”
Aziaha echoed the sentiment, revealing that her brother was the main driving force behind her performance.
“I’m going to always talk to myself and talk to my brother,” James said. “I hear him saying, ‘Come on, you got this. You got the next play.’ He says to let that 3 go, and I let it go in my last game.”
Even though her brother is gone, Aziaha carries him with her—literally. She has a tattoo of Ashley on her shoulder and is currently projected as a first-round pick, according to ESPN’s mock drafts.
MORE: How the WNBA Draft Works
The WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 14.
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