James, Vescovi Sign with NBA Teams
**KNOXVILLE, Tenn.** – Two standout players from the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team have signed contracts with NBA teams, marking the start of their professional careers.
Josiah-Jordan James has signed with the Indiana Pacers, while Santiago Vescovi has joined the Golden State Warriors. Both players spent five seasons at Tennessee, playing for the Volunteers from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
James will debut with the Pacers in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas from July 12-22. Vescovi will first participate in the California Classic in San Francisco from July 6-10 before heading to Las Vegas.
All three of Tennessee’s scholarship seniors who completed their eligibility in 2023-24 will participate in the NBA Summer League. Dalton Knecht, selected 17th in the NBA Draft, is now with the Los Angeles Lakers.
James is one of two players in Tennessee history to record at least 1,250 points, 800 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 steals, and 100 blocks, alongside Vincent Yarbrough (1998-2002). He ranks third all-time in appearances (144), wins (114), and minutes (4,068). The Charleston, S.C., native is fifth in starts (123), co-fifth in steals (183), eighth in made 3-pointers (196), and eighth in rebounds (844), with additional ranks of No. 12 in offensive rebounds (201) and No. 30 in scoring (1,270). He also holds Tennessee’s career record for rebounds (65) and steals (16) in NCAA Tournament play, scoring in double figures 62 times and achieving eight double-doubles.
Vescovi is one of only two Volunteers to tally 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 400 assists, joining Allan Houston (1989-93). He is Tennessee’s all-time leader in steals (212) and starts (144), second in appearances (149) and minutes (4,432), and third in made 3-pointers (325), the latter also ranking eighth in SEC history. The Montevideo, Uruguay native ranks fourth in wins (106), fourth in made 3-pointers per game (2.18), eighth in assists (453), tenth in 3-point percentage (37.2), tenth in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.75), eleventh in free-throw percentage (79.8), thirteenth in steals per game (1.42), and eighteenth in scoring (1,540). He is a two-time First Team All-SEC honoree, USBWA All-District choice, and NABC All-District selection, scoring in double digits 81 times and reaching 20-plus points on 10 occasions.
The 2024 NBA Summer League schedule, including tip times and TV designations, can be found online.
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