James Jean-Marie, a versatile 6-8, 225-lb. forward from Montreal, has announced his intention to join the University of Hawaii men’s basketball program. Jean-Marie is a transfer from the University of San Diego, where he averaged 7.4 points and 5.2 rebounds in 32 games last season.

“I enjoy the coaching staff at Hawaii, and the university, and the conference, and everything,” Jean-Marie told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s Stephen Tsai.

Jean-Marie will be a senior at UH. He said he will be seeking an exemption from the NCAA to be able to play in the 2020-21 season. If that bid is unsuccessful, he will have to sit out the season as a redshirt.

He shot 45.3% from the field last season for the Toreros, including 40% from three-point range (14 of 35). His season highs include 14 points, 12 boards and 3 blocked shots.

Jean-Marie takes the roster spot previously held by center-forward Owen Hulland, who recently announced that he was leaving the program to play professionally. He’s the seventh recruit to join the Rainbow Warriors for next season.

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