Arizona basketball has kicked off its first season in the Big 12 with a strong home victory over TCU, ending 2024 on an impressive note. As 2025 begins, the Wildcats have made headlines by securing a commitment from Bryce James, the youngest son of NBA superstar LeBron James, for their recruiting class.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 190 pounds, Bryce is considered a 3-star prospect, ranked No. 289 in the country and the 46th-best shooting guard according to 247Sports. Although these rankings may not align with the caliber of players typically recruited by Arizona, Bryce’s high profile brings significant attention to the program. With over two million followers on Instagram and another 700,000 on TikTok, his presence in the college basketball scene is amplified, especially following his viral visit to Arizona for a game against Duke in November.
In addition to Arizona, Bryce received offers from several notable programs, including Duquesne, Ohio State, and USC. Analyst Adam Finkelstein from 247Sports characterizes Bryce as a fundamentally sound player with good size and promising skills. He highlights his potential shooting ability, featuring a soft touch and compact release, and notes that his left hand is particularly advanced for his age, alongside a solid understanding of the game. As he continues to grow into his body, Bryce showcases the attributes of a young player with future promise.
Bryce’s addition to the Wildcats is reminiscent of the attention gained by USC when they signed his brother, Bronny James, who went on to average 4.8 points per game during his time there before being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. In addition to Bryce, Arizona has also secured a commitment from Dwayne Aristode, a 5-star wing, and is actively pursuing other top prospects such as Brayden Burries and Koa Peat.
This recruitment not only positions Arizona as a competitive force in college basketball but also brings excitement and visibility to the program, leveraging the star power of the James family in a positive way. As the Wildcats build their roster, fans can look forward to an engaging season filled with high expectations.
In summary, Arizona basketball is making significant strides in the 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of Bryce James, highlighting a blend of talent and high-profile visibility that could lead to great achievements in the coming years.