Bryce James is establishing his own identity in basketball, following in the footsteps of his father, LeBron James. At 18 years old, the guard played a key role in leading his high school, Sierra Canyon, to a California state championship in March and has now embarked on his college career. After considering offers from Duquesne, Ohio State, and USC, Bryce committed to the Arizona Wildcats in January and signed with the program in April, marking a significant milestone in his basketball journey. Bryce’s decision is a deliberate step to pursue the sport under his own terms, separated from the intense scrutiny linked to his family name.
Reasons Behind Bryce James’s Decision to Join the Arizona Wildcats
During a conversation with reporters after Arizona’s final summer training session before the school year begins, Bryce revealed that his choice to attend Arizona was driven by a desire for a genuine college experience outside of Los Angeles’s intense media coverage.
For me personally, I just want, like, a real college experience,
Bryce said. —Bryce James, Guard
This outlook was influenced by watching his older brother, Bronny James, who played one season at USC during 2023–24 amid widespread media attention before turning professional. Bryce recognized that the Los Angeles spotlight shaped his preference to forge a path far from that environment.
Arizona attracted Bryce with its rich basketball tradition, enthusiastic fan base, and the chance to join a substantial freshman class where he can grow and contribute meaningfully. He also cited valuable advice from his father, <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA superstar LeBron James, to stay positive through challenges.
Even if you’re not having some good days, always have that stay positive mentality,
Bryce shared.
Don’t keep your head down, always keep your head up.
—Bryce James, Guard
With the support of his family, Bryce is eager to create his own legacy both on and off the court, distinct from the attention his brother and father receive in Los Angeles.
Looking Ahead: Bryce James’s Freshman Season with the Wildcats
Rated a three-star recruit by ESPN, Bryce is recognized as a developing forward with a strong outside shot. In 2018, LeBron James referred to him as the best shooter in the family. At Arizona, Bryce will have the opportunity to grow within a well-respected basketball program and face competitive matchups early in his college career.
As he prepares for his freshman year, Bryce is focused on adapting to the faster pace of collegiate play and proving his capabilities beyond his famous last name. Arizona’s coaching staff anticipates that his addition will strengthen the team’s frontcourt depth, while Bryce looks forward to steady development and making a lasting impression.
His move to the Wildcats represents more than just a change of teams—it symbolizes his commitment to carving out a distinct path in collegiate basketball, away from the high-profile scrutiny he experienced in Los Angeles.