Aziaha James Shocks the WNBA with a Stunning Performance—Dallas Wings Draft the Historic NC State Star with the No. 12 Pick

In a move that’s already making waves in the WNBA, the Dallas Wings have selected Aziaha James with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. This selection marks the start of a new chapter for James, who has had a historic and electrifying career with NC State, and now brings her impressive talents to the professional stage.

James, who became a household name in women’s college basketball after leading NC State to their first Final Four appearance in over two decades, is ready to make an immediate impact on the Wings. But what makes her selection so noteworthy, and why is the basketball world buzzing about it?

The Rise of Aziaha James: From Unlikely Starter to WNBA Sensation

Aziaha James’ story is one of perseverance, growth, and seizing the moment. Coming out of Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, VA, James entered NC State as a highly touted recruit, but her early college years were far from easy. Despite immense potential, she found herself struggling for minutes on the court, barely cracking the rotation in her first two seasons. Yet instead of transferring to a different program, James made the decision to stay at NC State, work on her game, and prove herself.

That decision paid off in a big way during her junior year, when she exploded onto the scene as a starter. James averaged 16.8 points per game in her first year as a full-time player, showing the flashes of brilliance that would become a hallmark of her career. Her breakout season set the stage for what would be a historic tournament run in 2023-24.

During the NCAA Tournament in 2024, James took her game to an entirely new level. Averaging an impressive 23.4 points per game on 47.5% shooting from the field, including 50% from three-point range, she was a key driver in NC State’s first Final Four appearance since 1998. Her offensive game was on fire, but it wasn’t just her scoring that earned her attention—it was her relentless drive, basketball IQ, and the physicality she brought to both ends of the floor.

The Sweet 16 Game Against Duke: A Career-Defining Moment

One of the standout moments in James’ NC State career came in a Sweet 16 matchup against Duke. With the stakes higher than ever, James showcased her ability to step up in the biggest moments. She finished the game with a career-high 36 points, making two three-pointers in the game that would cement her place as one of the most dangerous offensive threats in college basketball.

Her 36-point performance tied for the 11th-highest scoring game in NC State history, and it also marked the highest total by a Wolfpack player since 1998. What made her performance even more impressive was her ability to diversify her scoring. While James was already known for her three-point shooting, in this game, she showed her complete offensive game, driving to the basket and making plays for herself and her teammates.

That ability to be a dual-threat—both a sharp shooter from long range and an aggressive driver—was part of what made James such an attractive prospect for the WNBA. Her offensive game was versatile, and her ability to impact the game in multiple ways made her a rare find in the 2025 draft class.

Physicality and Defense: More Than Just an Offensive Juggernaut

While James is known for her offensive firepower, her all-around game has been just as impressive. Known for her tenacious defense and physical play, she has the ability to guard multiple positions and make life difficult for opposing players. Her defensive prowess was especially evident in her senior year, when she led NC State with 78 steals, averaging 2.2 steals per game. Her defensive presence allowed her team to compete at the highest level, and it made her even more valuable as a two-way player.

In a recent interview, her NC State associate head coach Kate Paye praised her as “probably highly underrated as a defensive player,” pointing out how James would often guard the opposing team’s best player. Paye also lauded her size and length, which made her a constant threat on both ends of the floor. As a WNBA player, these qualities will only enhance James’ ability to make an impact beyond just scoring, and she’s expected to bring that same defensive tenacity to the Wings.

What Can the Dallas Wings Expect from James?

Now, as James prepares to join the WNBA, the Dallas Wings are hopeful that her combination of offensive talent and defensive ability can be the spark their team needs. The Wings have been in need of a dynamic scorer, and James’ ability to shoot the ball from deep and drive to the basket should immediately fill that gap. With a team already featuring stars like Satou Sabally, Arike Ogunbowale, and Natasha Howard, James has the potential to add another level to an already talented roster.

In an interview, Wings’ head coach Marianne Stanley spoke highly of James, saying, “She’s someone who can shoot the ball, and she’s played at a high level her whole career. I think she’s ready to take the next step and make her mark in the WNBA.” The Wings are clearly banking on James to be a key contributor to the team’s success, and they have high hopes for her future.

A New Era for the Dallas Wings

The 2025 WNBA Draft is a critical moment for the Dallas Wings, and selecting Aziaha James with the No. 12 overall pick is a move that could have long-lasting effects on the franchise. James has already proven herself at the collegiate level, and now it’s time for her to step into the spotlight as a professional athlete. With her ability to score, defend, and lead, James has the potential to be one of the most exciting young players in the WNBA.

While the road to success will have its challenges—especially as she transitions to the next level—James’ past performances show that she has the resilience and drive to rise to the occasion. For the Dallas Wings, the future looks bright with the addition of James, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how she will fit into the team’s plans moving forward.

Conclusion: The Future Is Bright for Aziaha James and the Wings

As Aziaha James steps into the WNBA, she’s not just carrying the weight of her college accomplishments—she’s also carrying the hopes of the Dallas Wings franchise and a fanbase that believes in her potential. With her well-rounded game, unrelenting drive, and competitive spirit, James has all the tools to make an immediate impact in the league.

Her story is one of perseverance, hard work, and determination—a journey from the depths of her early struggles to the heights of success. For Aziaha James, the best is yet to come, and the WNBA is about to witness the rise of one of its brightest new stars.