Deriont’e James
@Derionte_2028
IG- @ddion_ 5’6, 112lbs, Class-2028
International Academy, MI
Deriont’e is a relentless force on the court, the kind of player who turns defense into an art form and offense into a highlight reel. His on-ball defense is straight-up suffocating, tenacious, ruthless, and built to disrupt. Every possession is a battle, and he’s the one setting the terms, picking pockets, and making ball handlers second-guess their every move. His defensive IQ is off the charts, fueled by nonstop energy and a motor that doesn’t quit. But don’t mistake him for just a defensive specialist cause he’s got a flamethrower from beyond the arc. A pure catch-and-shoot sniper with deep range, he can swing momentum in an instant, and when defenders close out too hard, he’s got the handles to attack the rim with purpose. His leadership, vision, and playmaking tie it all together, making him a complete two-way weapon every time he steps on the floor.
This season, Deriont’e averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 assists, 4 steals, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, proving he’s impacting every area of the game. His biggest improvement was his confidence, stepping up in critical moments like his back-to-back-to-back-to-back threes to win a game. His offseason grind is locked in on building strength, increasing his stamina, and becoming an even bigger defensive problem, picking up full court, causing havoc, and then turning defense into instant offense. Deriont’e's motivation is winning. He thrives on setting the tone, making the right reads, and fueling his team with energy on both ends.
This AAU season, Deriont’e is playing for Flint Affiliation’s 15U squad, with the goal to win and elevate everyone around him. The high-intensity competition at Made Hoops and T3TV is where he’s eager to showcase his skill set, pushing himself against the best and proving he’s built for the moment. Next season’s mission is to go undefeated. He’s hungry for it, and with his leadership and defensive intensity, he’s ready to make it happen.
Off the court, Deriont’e enjoys life just as much as he enjoys locking down opponents. Whether it’s hanging out with teammates, watching film, or just kicking back and enjoying the game, his passion for basketball never takes a backseat. He handles adversity with a fighter’s mindset of keeping his head up, grinding through, and never letting setbacks define him. The best advice Deriont’e has ever received is, "One day, you gon’ wake up and be 30". It’s a constant reminder to stay in the moment, work hard, and never waste an opportunity.
I assess that Deriont’e’s impact on a college program is he’s a defensive menace who will instantly disrupt opposing offenses, a three-point threat that spaces the floor, and a leader who elevates those around him. His ability to apply full-court pressure and create turnovers is a coach’s dream, setting the tone for an aggressive defensive identity. Add that to his vision, decision-making, and shot-making, and he becomes a high-level asset in any system.
Expect Deriont’e to keep pushing his limits. As he adds strength and endurance, his two-way dominance will only grow. His ability to impact the game at every level, defensively, offensively, and as a leader, sets the stage for a bright future. His ceiling is sky-high, and with his relentless drive, it’s only a matter of time before he takes his game to an even more electrifying level.
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