Something that will have college basketball fans paying close attention this season is the freshman campaign of Bryce James with the Arizona Wildcats — one of the most storied programs in NCAA history. For any player, joining the Wildcats is a major step, and James arrives as part of a star-studded recruiting class ranked No. 3 in the 2025 cycle by 247Sports. But his father, LeBron James, has also issued a word of caution.
While his older brother Bronny played his freshman season at USC, Bryce will make his college debut this fall for the Wildcats. During his first media availability since arriving in Tucson, Bryce shared the advice his father gave him heading into his first year of college basketball.
“Just working hard and coming in and doing what you do best,” James said Tuesday. “Making sure if you’re not having some good days, always have to stay positive. If you miss a shot, maybe get a turnover or something, don’t hang your head down. Always keep your head up. Push through and stay positive.”
James, a three-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon High School in Chatsworth, California, committed to Arizona earlier this year after receiving offers from Duquesne and Ohio State. He is one of six incoming freshmen for the Wildcats, a group that also features five-star guard Brayden Burries and five-star forward Koa Peat.
Will we see LeBron play alongside both of his sons?
It’s difficult to say whether LeBron will share the court with both Bryce and Bronny, but it’s not impossible. If LeBron remains healthy and productive for the upcoming NBA season, and follows through on speculation that he could play one or two more years, the scenario could unfold. Should it happen, it would be a landmark moment in sports history.
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Bryce faces his own challenging path, not only because of the pressure of being the son of one of basketball’s greatest players, but also because many consider him the more talented of the James brothers. That perception only increases the expectations — and now, those expectations will be tested in the Wildcats program.
What to expect from Bryce and Arizona
It remains unclear how much playing time James will earn this NCAAB season in Arizona’s rotation, particularly with the Wildcats’ crowded backcourt. Star guard Jaden Bradley is projected to play a major role after starting all 37 games last season, while Anthony Dell’Orso, who started 28 games, is also expected to hold a starting spot.
“We treat Bryce just like we treat every other guy,” Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said earlier this summer. “He shows up every day with a smile on his face. My hope for him is that everybody gives him space and lets him develop into his own version of Bryce James. He is a great young man, so let’s let that come out and not overwhelm him with stuff he has no control over.”
The Wildcats finished 24-13 overall (14-6 Big 12) during their first season in the conference, with their campaign ending in a 100-93 loss to Duke in the Sweet 16. Arizona enters this year tied for the 16th-best odds to win the 2026 national championship, alongside UCLA, Illinois, Iowa State and Gonzaga, according to FanDuel.
