UNC Basketball: Joel James Will Play Against Clemson

North Carolina’s Joel James has not seen any playing time in several weeks now because of a concussion. He last played a few weeks ago when the Tar Heels were defeated by the Miami Hurricanes.

Jan 23, 2013; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forwards Jackson Simmons (21) and Joel James (0) and Desmond Hubert (14) react late in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the Yellow Jackets 79-63 at the Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

While James was medically cleared to play this past weekend when the Tar Heel defeated North Carolina State, he did not see any court time. Head basketball coach Roy Williams spoke today in a press conference and assured that James would get to return to the court.

James suffered a concussion earlier this month when the Tar Heels played Wake Forest. He chose to keep the injury to himself through out the week and played against Miami. Upon the Tar Heels return home, he spoke to the coaches and informed them of the injury.

For his freshman season he is averaging 2.7 points per game, 2.9 rebounds per game and 0.3 assists per game.

James has struggled with his conditioning and if he can just stay in shape and lose a little more weight, could see a huge increase in his playing time which will help Carolina out on the defensive end.