Michael James Named SWAC Newcomer of the Year, First Team All-Conference

Mississippi Valley State guard Michael James has been named the Southwestern Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year and earned first-team all-conference honors, the school announced Monday.

In his first season with the Delta Devils, James established himself as one of the top scorers in the nation. He finished the season ranked 14th nationally in scoring and led Mississippi Valley State offensively throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

James appeared in 30 games, logging 1,115 minutes — an average of 37.2 minutes per game. He scored 641 points, averaging 21.4 per contest, and shot 43.5% from the field. He also made 75 three-pointers and shot 91.9% from the free-throw line. Additionally, he averaged 3.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game.

The standout guard produced several notable performances, including a 35-point game against MUW and multiple 30-point outings during non-conference and SWAC play. His scoring consistency helped keep the Delta Devils competitive in a challenging schedule that included several Power Five opponents.

James’ impact was particularly evident in conference games, where he often played nearly the entire game and led the team in scoring. His honors reflect one of the most impressive individual seasons in recent Mississippi Valley State men’s basketball history and highlight his immediate contribution as a newcomer to the program.

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