When Aziaha James was drafted 12th overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA draft, GM Curt Miller was surprised she had been for so long. But, for sure, it was a steal, and James herself was well aware of it as she shared, “You got your dog.” And since then, she’s been on a mission to prove her worth.

But her journey wasn’t rid of challenges. First, it was rookie struggles, then new head coach Chris Koclanes, and then, it was only three players returning from last year. But despite facing multiple rookie walls early on, James credits her veteran teammates for helping her stay locked in.

“I have to just give it up to my vets,” she said. “I hit a lot of rookie walls, and they helped me push through it.” And yes, that’s true because AJ struggled miserably in her first seven games as she averaged just 2.9 points per game while shooting a tough 28% from the field. But that changed when playing against Connecticut– she dropped a career-high 17 points. She has not looked back ever since. But those numbers aren’t new for the young guard.

Who is Aziaha James?

Hailing from Virginia Beach, James is a North Carolina State University alumna turning 23 in November 2025. But 3 months in, she’s already a popular name at W. How could she not be after putting up a 28-point performance against the Phoenix Mercury? She did that playing alongside No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, and she’s 23 by the end of the game.

So, you know the kind of dominance she’s got. But for James, it’s not about competing with others; it’s about keeping up the hopes of her late brother alive, who once dreamt about playing basketball.

Aziaha James Career Overview

The Wings guard grew up playing basketball alongside her late brother, earning All-Tidewater honors and dominating the local hoops scene. And just hours before his tragic death in March 2020 due to an accidental shooting, he had watched Aziaha compete in a regional championship. So while the loss devastated her, it also became a source of fuel for her.

“I’m always talking to myself and to my brother,” she shared. “I hear him saying, ‘Come on, you got this… let that 3 go.’” And that inner voice had framed James to unfold into her best form. Just consider, she earned All-ACC Freshman Team honors in 2022, then blossomed into a scoring powerhouse tallying 17.9 points per game as a senior while earning First-Team All-ACC selections in both 2024 and 2025.

And not just that, she even shined during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, helping NC State reach the Final Four after dropping 29 points while earning a reputation as a clutch performer. So, you know why Wings GM felt her getting selected as 12th was a steal for them.

Aziaha James Year-by-Year College Stats

AJ’s journey at NC State no doubt is a masterclass in patience, persistence, and self-belief. After all, it all started when she came in as a freshman in 2021. But just like her rookie career at W, her freshman year saw limited minutes as she didn’t start a single game, averaging 4.2 points and 1.6 rebounds across 9 minutes. But still, she managed to earn All-ACC Freshman Team honors, a quiet indication of what was to come.

So while her game didn’t explode right away, those early seasons were foundational as she soaked up knowledge, developed her court IQ, and yes, stayed loyal to the program while others might have preferred entering the transfer portal. And that decision proved a game changer for both her and the Wolfpack as by junior year, she was one of the most electrifying guards. She started all 38 games, averaged 16.8 points along with 4.6 rebounds, led the team in scoring, and became the heart of NC State’s improbable Final Four run in 2024.

Her ability to rise in big moments became her calling card, especially in the NCAA Tournament, where she earned the Regional Most Outstanding Player honor after back-to-back explosive performances against Stanford and Texas (29 and 27 respectively). And even in her senior year, she saw an upsurge in graph with a career-high 36-point game against Duke and another First-Team All-ACC nod. “Waiting your turn” is often a cliché, but in Aziaha’s case, it was her superpower.

Aziaha James Career Totals and Averages

Across four years, James didn’t just evolve statistically, she transformed mentally and emotionally. And by the time she left NC State, she already had over 1,500 points, a Final Four legacy, and a reputation as a two-way guard with pro-ready instincts.

With a total of 1589 points, she became the 12th leading scorer for NC State. While her 477 rebounds and 289 assists did not make any record books, her 3-point field goals made (184) placed her 7th all-time in the program. The 130 games played was 8th best too.

Then moving to the pros, the Wings scored 5.8 more points per 100 possessions when she was on the floor. So, you know how she’s coming off a college career where she averaged nearly 18 points and 5 rebounds in her final season, but is already taking over the pros at W.

Aziaha James Playing Style and Impact

AJ has quickly become one of those players you can’t help but root for. And it all had started from the moment she stepped into the Wings locker room— she brought the edge that the team desperately needed. “I feel like I play with grit—and this whole team has that dog mentality,” she said during training camp, and it’s shown every time she hits the floor.

But James isn’t just hustle and heart—she’s also proving herself as a reliable offensive weapon. And her 28-point eruption against Mercury, including a perfect 7-for-7 first half, showed just how dangerous she can be when she catches fire. But even in shorter stints, she’s sparked momentum swings with quick scoring bursts, timely assists, and a fearless drive to the rim.

“Whenever my number is called, I’m ready,” she said—and she means it. Her late-June five-game stretch of 13.6 points per game on 50% shooting from three speaks volumes about her growth and confidence. But what makes Aziaha even more exciting is how fast she’s adjusting to the pace and pressure of the WNBA.

What’s Next for Aziaha James?

Well, AJ is not just about potential—it’s about proof, as evident in her being the 12th overall pick and draft-night surprise to becoming one of the most impactful rookie guards in the league. But now the challenge for her is to keep up with the momentum. But as the HC puts it better, she’s someone who, “puts in the extra work,” and it shows.

Now she’ll be focusing on maintaining her offensive efficiency for the Wings, as two of the vets are out with injuries early on.

Looking ahead, James is poised to become a central figure in shaping Dallas’s identity—a young, scrappy team driven by two-way play and fearless execution. She’ll need to keep embracing that “dog mentality” she spoke of on draft night.