Reactions have trailed ESPN’s new high school basketball ranking for the Class of 2025, which includes AJ Dybantsa, Alijah Arenas and Kiyan Anthony, while Bryce James is out.
Fans have reacted to ESPN's new ranking, with some saying Bryce James needs to prove himself. Bryce, son of NBA legend LeBron James, was a notable absentee on the list, which saw AJ Dybantsa maintain his status as No. 1.
Bryce was not on the previous list or included on the latest list and that got the fans talking,
“Don’t shove Bryce James down our throat if he’s not even a top 100 recruit in his class Unless he proves it next year at college,” a fan said.
“He’s part of the class but doesn’t mean we need news about him shoved down our throats,” the same fan said in a reply to another user.
Meanwhile, a few fans were disappointed with the ranking of Kiyan Anthony, son of Carmelo Anthony, and Alijah Arenas, son of Gilbert Arenas. Kiyan is ranked 36th on the list while Alijah, who reclassified from the class of 2026, goes in straight to 15.
Some fans questioned their position, with some saying they both should be higher on the list.
“There is NOT 36 players better than Kiyan,” a fan said.
“Alijah top 10 regardless of class💯,” another user on Gilbert Arenas son.
Kiyan’s father even acknowledged Alijah’s talent saying:
Alijah is the real deal!!!
“Kiyan at 36 is wild Gil son is a bucket getter Kiyan all around better player, another user is not happy that Alijah is ahead of Carmelo’s son.
“Alijah at 15 is CRIMINAL NGL 😂😂😂,” One user said.
What is LeBron James' son Bryce James' rating?
Bryce James’ omission from the top 100 should not come as a surprise as the youngster is still a few spots away from joining the elite group. The 6’4 shooting guard is No. 204 nationally, No. 54 among shooting guards and No. 26 in California on On3’s ranking.
His performance at Nike’s EYBL over the summer saw him put up 5.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game in five outings.
Despite his absence from the top 100, Bryce James is still one of the most popular players in his class, thanks to his father’s name and his deal with Klutch Sports for NIL representation.