(MARQUETTE COMMUNICATIONS) – Guard Nigel James Jr. was named the BIG EAST Conference Freshman of the Year on Wednesday afternoon at press conference at Madison Square Garden and also confirmed his commitment to Marquette next season.
“I never had a thought of going anywhere else,” James Jr. said. “I want to finish my career at Marquette. I’ve had a great time here…I value relationships. That was never a question for me.”
The Huntington, N.Y. native is the third Marquette player (Dominic James – 2005-06, Henry Ellenson – 2015-16) to earn the accolade since the program joined the BIG EAST in 2005-06.
Earlier this week, James Jr. was named All-BIG EAST Third Team and earned a spot on the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team as well. He reached double figures in scoring in 19-of-20 league outings and ranked among the conference’s top-10 in five different categories (season long and BIG EAST only).
JAMES JR.’S SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
- James Jr. was also one of just two freshmen (Darius Acuff Jr. – Arkansas) in the nation to contribute at least 19.0 points, 5.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per outing in conference matchups.
- First BIG EAST freshman since Troy Murphy of Notre Dame in 1998-99 to have at least three 30+ point games in league regular season play.
- First MU true freshman to have three games of 30-or-more points in a season.
- Only BIG EAST player with three games of 30-or-more points in 2025-26.
- Fourth among BIG EAST players with 10 outings of 20-or-more points (eight in league play).
- Tied for 21st (top BIG EAST newcomer) in the country among freshman in scoring (16.4 ppg.), sixth in assists (4.8 apg.) and eighth in steals (1.9 spg.) through March 10.
- Had first 30-point, 12-assist BIG EAST game (at Xavier) since Chris Thomas of Notre Dame against Miami on Feb. 23, 2002 (only two occurrences since 1996).
- In a regulation game, James Jr. is the fourth freshman in the country with 30 points and 12 assists since 2001-02 (twice by Trae Young, Corey Sanders and Chris Thomas).
- Scored 38 points vs. Providence on Jan. 19, the most by a Marquette true freshman.
- On pace to finish in top-10 of nine different freshman season categories at MU.
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