Bryce James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, participated in Arizona Basketball’s training camp this week, preparing for his upcoming college debut. The camp, captured in an Instagram post on Thursday, showed Bryce alongside other players working hard in the gym as part of the Wildcats’ preseason preparations.
Joining Bryce in the training was a group of newly signed players, including Brayden Burries, Dwayne Aristode, Mabilmawut Kon, and Motiejus Krivas. Additionally, the post highlighted Anthony Dell’Orso, Jaden Bradley, and Evan Nelson, who transferred from Harvard Crimson to strengthen the team’s roster.
Arizona’s Team Composition and Notable Absences
Notably absent from the training camp was five-star recruit Koa Peat, who is currently representing Team USA at the U19 World Cup in Switzerland. Peat was the only Wildcats player to make the 18-member roster selected from 31 athletes attending the USA Basketball Men’s U19 National Team training camp held at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado.
Bryce James joins a competitive lineup as he prepares for his first collegiate season, bringing his national ranking of 213th overall, 58th among shooting guards, and 27th in California, according to On3’s Industry Rankings. Before committing to Arizona, Bryce explored multiple offers from Ohio State, Duquesne, and USC—the alma mater of his older brother, Bronny James.
He made unofficial visits to Ohio State on October 7 and USC on October 19, 2023, ultimately signing with Arizona on April 18, following an unofficial visit to their campus on November 22, 2022.
LeBron James on Supporting His Sons’ Basketball Careers
Despite his deep involvement in basketball, LeBron James has stated that he maintains a hands-off approach when it comes to coaching his sons. Speaking on his podcast Mind The Game last Sunday alongside NBA stars Steve Nash and Luka Doncic, LeBron revealed he has never interfered with the coaching of Bronny or Bryce.
“I’ve never got involved with my kids’ coaches. From Bronny going up to where he’s now, to when Bryce was on his way to Arizona, I’ve never got involved. I’ve never went to a practice and sat through practice the whole time and see how my son was utilized.” —LeBron James, NBA player
“I’m never down on the phone with the coaches … Listen, coach my son, coach him however you want to. I hope you hold him more accountable than any other kid here.” —LeBron James, NBA player
This philosophy reflects LeBron’s trust in professional coaching staffs and his desire for his sons to develop their skills independently as they embark on their basketball journeys.
Looking Ahead for Bryce James
Entering his freshman year with the Arizona Wildcats, Bryce James is set to carve out his own path in collegiate basketball, following closely behind his brother Bronny’s footsteps. With his commitment to Arizona and surrounded by a strong team, Bryce’s participation in this training camp marks an important step in his transition to college-level competition.
The experience gained from training alongside other skilled players and under established coaches will be crucial for Bryce as he works to make a mark in the NCAA and continues to develop his game ahead of future opportunities.