Will Bryce James Play This Season for Arizona?

“Redshirting is on the table,” Lloyd said. “I want Bryce to have the best college basketball career, the most options in his college basketball career.” It’s a thoughtful take from a coach who’s not in the business of burning years just to please box score hawks or appease hype. Bryce James isn’t just another freshman. He’s the son of LeBron James. That name brings weight and attention, but Lloyd made it clear that none of that is going to rush his timeline.

And to be honest, he has a point. The current rules in college basketball don’t leave much room for development without consequences. Unlike college football, where players can appear in a few games before a redshirt kicks in, basketball doesn’t give that grace. Play one minute, and that’s your year. That’s the system.

“I wish there was a set number of games you could play a guy, like they have in football,” Lloyd said. And it makes sense. If you’re a coach trying to get a young guy minutes without wrecking his eligibility, you’re working against a rulebook that doesn’t leave much wiggle room.

This isn’t about holding Bryce back; it’s about not wasting him. Arizona has the depth to keep him on the bench without it hurting the team right now. Lloyd knows the spotlight will follow him no matter what, so he’s making sure the situation is handled the right way. He gave credit to Bryce’s character and to the plan they’ve discussed privately. It’s about options, and it’s about the long game.

That’s not going to stop the noise. Every time Arizona plays and Bryce doesn’t check in, someone’s going to tweet about it. But Tommy Lloyd isn’t worried about noise. He’s worried about making sure a young player has the best shot at a meaningful career, not just a few throwaway minutes in November.