The basketball world is buzzing with excitement as Bryce James steps out of his father's shadow and into the spotlight, making his highly anticipated college debut. The youngest son of NBA icon LeBron James, Bryce has officially arrived on the college basketball scene, and his journey is just beginning. But here's where it gets intriguing: can he carve his own path in a sport where his last name carries immense weight? According to Bleacher Report, Bryce made his exhibition start in the Arizona Red-Blue Showcase on Friday night, marking the beginning of his freshman season with the University of Arizona Wildcats.
Playing for Team Blue, James shared the court with standout teammates Koa Peat, Motiejus Krivas, Anthony Dell'Orso, and Jaden Bradley. Meanwhile, Team Red, who narrowly won the contest 45-44, featured a lineup led by Dwayne Aristode, Ivan Kharchenkov, Brayden Burries, Evan Nelson, and Tobe Awaka. In his 18 minutes on the court, Bryce contributed three points on 1-for-3 shooting, one assist, one block, and one steal—a solid start for the young guard.
And this is the part most people miss: the game wasn’t just about Bryce’s performance; it was a star-studded affair. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and former Arizona standout turned NFL great Rob Gronkowski were in attendance, adding to the event’s prestige.
Rewind to January, when BET reported that Bryce officially committed to the University of Arizona, announcing his decision via an Instagram post featuring himself in a Wildcats jersey with the caption, “100% committed.” This move came after a high school career at Sierra Canyon, where the 6-foot-6 guard played a pivotal role off the bench for the Trailblazers, despite missing the first nine games of the 2024-25 season due to an undisclosed injury.
Looking ahead, the Arizona Wildcats have two more exhibition games lined up against Saint Mary's and Embry-Riddle before kicking off their regular season on November 3 against the reigning national champion, Florida. But here’s the controversial question: Can Bryce James live up to the hype and expectations that come with being a James? Or will he forge his own legacy, independent of his father’s towering reputation?
As Bryce takes his first steps in college basketball, one thing is clear: all eyes are on him. But what do you think? Will he rise to the occasion, or will the pressure prove too much? Let us know in the comments—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!
