LeBron James Voices Support for Arizona Ahead of NCAA Tournament

James’ son, Bryce, committed to the Wildcats on January 1, 2025. James was a 3-star prospect coming out of Sierra Canyon High School.

Bryce James Redshirts Freshman Season

The Wildcats announced at the beginning of February that James will redshirt his freshman season. He never appeared in a game all season and was never needed due to the success of the Wildcats.

There is no need to rush James if he is not ready; if the Wildcats are one of the best teams in the nation. James was a part of a loaded freshman class, which included Koa Peat and Brayden Burries.

Head coach Tommy Lloyd believes in the long-term plan with James and is not worried about his future with the program.

"The redshirting decision was just a long play, to give Bryce the most options in his career as his career unfolds," Lloyd said. "I have real strong belief that Bryce will be a contributor at Arizona in the near future. He's really shown a lot of progress, not only learning our system but just physically maturing."

LeBron Cheers for Wildcats in NCAA Tournament

After the Wildcats captured the Big 12 championship, James got to add more hardware to his family. LeBron noted how proud he is of his son and that he is rooting for the Wildcats in the NCAA Tournament.

“I mean, listen, man, to have our kid be able to experience that — to see the joy on his face, the happiness that he has being there in Arizona, learning from a lot of the vets and learning from some of the guys that he came into class with — I think it’s just a great experience, and it’s going to pay dividends for him going into next year. But he’s just living in the moment.”

“None of you guys know Bryce, but he’s kind of just like me when it comes to how we just — I’m like him. I’m a big Bryce. That’s what I am, you know.”

“But to see the success that they’re having, to see him enjoying that and being able to experience that — I always say the best teacher in life is experience. So, of course, I don’t have a choice but to root for Arizona. I mean, my son’s there. So I’m definitely rooting for them in the tournament, and we’ll see what happens.”