Arizona Wildcats guard Bryce James. Aryanna Frank-Imagn Images

Bryce James may not play for Arizona this season

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Nov 12, 2025 4:57 PM ET

Bryce James, the son of LeBron James, may not suit up at all this season for the Arizona Wildcats.

Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd said the team is considering using a redshirt on James, who has yet to play in a game this season.

“Redshirting is on the table. No final decision has been made,” Lloyd told reporters. “I want Bryce to have the best college basketball career and the most options in his college basketball career long term, whatever that looks like.

"Throwing a kid with a lot of potential that’s developing a few garbage minutes might feel good now, but potentially, down the line, it could be something you regret.”

“Redshirting is on the table… I want Bryce (James) to have the best college basketball career, the most options in his college basketball career.”

Tommy Lloyd says no final decision has been made to REDSHIRT Bryce James or Mabil Mawut, but the conversations are ongoing. pic.twitter.com/lzPrdnhLI2
— PHNX Wildcats (@PHNX_Wildcats) November 12, 2025

The question became relevant after James did not play during Tuesday’s 84-49 win over Northern Arizona. James did not even come in during garbage time, even though the Wildcats had a 29-point lead at the half.

If a college basketball player enters any game, they are no longer eligible for a redshirt that season. This is in contrast to several other sports, and clearly played into Lloyd’s decision to keep him on the bench during the blowout.

James committed to Arizona at the start of the year. He was not necessarily ranked as a top recruit and was seen as more of a developmental project, so it makes genuine sense that he might be in line for a redshirt season. It would pretty much rule out any potential one-and-done, though.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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