Bryce James Redshirts: Arizona Coach Discusses Future in Video
Arizona men’s basketball coach Tommy Lloyd announced that Bryce James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, will redshirt his freshman year. This decision aims to expand Bryce’s future opportunities in basketball as he develops physically and mentally.
Bryce James Redshirts: A Strategic Move
In a conversation with Chancellor Johnson, Lloyd expressed confidence in Bryce’s potential. “He’s really shown a lot of progress, not only learning our system but just physically maturing,” he stated.
Details About Bryce James
- Age: Bryce will turn 19 on June 14.
- Ranking: He was listed as a three-star prospect by 247Sports in the class of 2025.
- Playing Time: He has not yet appeared in any games for the Wildcats.
Lloyd also noted that Bryce is slightly younger than his peers, which he believes warranted a slower approach to his development. “Let’s slow it down and let Bryce’s physical development catch up,” he said. This patient strategy has contributed positively to Bryce’s growth within the program.
Impact of the Redshirt Decision
Coach Lloyd first hinted at the redshirting possibility after the Wildcats’ third game of the season last November. He remarked on the complexities of managing player eligibility under current NCAA rules, emphasizing that limited playing time can significantly affect a player’s eligibility.
“It’s tough. It puts you in a tough situation,” Lloyd remarked, referring to the consequences of playing Bryce for even a few minutes this season. “I wish there was a set number of games you could play a guy, like they have in football.”
Future Prospects
Arizona’s basketball program is currently thriving, boasting a perfect 22-0 start and ranking at the top of the AP men’s poll. As Bryce prepares for his future, he may find openings in the lineup following potential NBA draft departures of key players like Koa Peat, Brayden Burries, and Jaden Bradley after this season.
With a focus on growth and readiness, Bryce James remains an exciting prospect for Arizona Wildcats basketball under Coach Tommy Lloyd’s guidance.
