Bryce James focused on development and consistency at Arizona

Amid the pressure that comes with his last name, Bryce James wants to improve himself throughout his college career with the Arizona Wildcats.

BY ERIC MATSUMOTO

Sep 16, 2025, 12:24 PM Updated: Sep 17, 2025, 12:23 pm

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When your father is one of the greatest NBA players ever, the pressure can be high.

But for Arizona Wildcats freshman Bryce James, the son of LeBron James, the focus will be on showing up every day, improving himself and being a complete student athlete.

“Away from the spotlight, that’s not really what I’m focused on,” James said. “Really just having a full college experience, not really caring about what other people are saying. Really just locking in and focusing on college.”

A three-star recruit rated by 247 Sports, James comes into Arizona after four years at Sierra Canyon School in California, winning the CIF State Division 1 championship in 2025.

The Wildcats also signed another shooting guard prior to the season: five-star and top 15 national recruit Brayden Burries.

Burries earned the California Gatorade Player of the Year honors and figures to headline the freshman class alongside five-star power forward Koa Peat and four-star wing Dwayne Aristode.

Even if he’s not a starter, James said head coach Tommy Lloyd’s staff at Arizona sold him on development — not just during his freshman year but throughout his college journey.

“Tommy said that he’s all about player development,” James said. “So, he doesn’t really care if you come in here and you’re maybe not doing so good you’re first couple years. He’s all about development, so just getting better in practice every day, getting stronger in the weight room.”

Strength is a key attribute James is trying to improve during his college years. When asked about his focus going into the season, defense against larger defenders was his first priority.

“Right now, I would probably say, defending the ball a little bit more, just trying to guard all five positions. Obviously, I have to get stronger in here, so that’s something I get to look forward to.”

Bryce James received advice from family that’s done it before

James isn’t the first of his family to be put under the microscope in college.

His brother, Bronny, was the 28th highest prospect in the nation, according to 247 Sports, prior to his commitment to USC. Bronny, who is now on the Lakers with LeBron James, advised his brother to focus on showing up every day, regardless of what the media is saying.

“Some advice that he’s probably given me every day (is) probably just staying consistent, be locked in. Don’t be focused on any other thing besides just coming in here, putting in the work, going hard every day, putting in the effort.”

His father has been one of the most consistent players in the history of the NBA, but as seasons get longer and the work gets harder, LeBron’s advice for Bryce was to not let him get too down on himself.

“(My dad’s advice is) always have the stay positive mentality,” James said. “Maybe you miss a shot, get a turnover or something, don’t hang your head down. Always keep your head up, just push through, just stay positive.”

James isn’t worried about living up the expectations that come with his name. His focus is on using college to grow rather than spending the time worrying about the future.

“(I’m focused on) just being the best player I can possibly be,” James said. “Just coming in here, working hard every day, being consistent with what I do, and it’ll all turn out good.”