"He's just kind of nondescript": Basketball insider raises concerns about LeBron James's son Bryce James's commitment to Arizona

LeBron James’ younger son, Bryce James, made headlines on Wednesday as he announced his commitment to the University of Arizona. Sharing the news via Instagram, he posted a photoshopped image of himself in a Wildcats jersey standing beside Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd.

"100% committed," Bryce captioned.

One notable voice was Jeff Goodman, who expressed doubts about his recruitment during the "Field of 68 After Dark" podcast on YouTube on Thursday. Goodman, an Arizona alumnus, didn’t hold back in questioning Bryce's impact on the court and the factors that may have influenced his commitment.

"I was shocked," Goodman said (0:10). "I'm an Arizona grad, number one. I've seen Bryce James play plenty, plenty over the last few years on the circuit. Here were his stats, guys. And again, he's 6'6. He is LeBron's younger son. Plays for Sierra Canyon. He averaged 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds in five Peach Jam games earlier this summer in July. Was 3-for-17 from three."

Goodman’s critique didn’t end there, as he hinted at external influences in Arizona’s decision to offer Bryce a spot.

"He's just kind of nondescript," Goodman said. "But I think one of the key reasons here that he ended up at Arizona and Arizona takes him is because Rich Paul, who represents him. Obviously, Rich Paul is LeBron's buddy for Klutch (Sports)."

Paul, the founder of Klutch Sports Group and LeBron’s longtime friend, is widely regarded as one of the most influential agents in basketball. Goodman’s comments suggest that this connection might have played a significant role in Bryce’s recruitment.

Why Bryce James picked Arizona Wildcats for his collegiate career?

Bryce James, the youngest son of NBA legend LeBron James, chose Arizona over offers from Duquesne and Ohio State. He became the second player to commit to the Wildcats for the 2025 class, joining five-star small forward Dwayne Aristide. Incidentally, Bryce took an unofficial visit to Arizona in November, which may have helped his decision.

Although there’s yet to be an official statement from Bryce over why he picked the Wildcats, according to sources of WildcatAuthority.com, his decision was influenced by Tommy Lloyd's ability to develop players and his patience with that process.

The concern raised by Jeff Goodman points out that Bryce is still in the developmental phase which 247Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein echoed

"Bryce needs to be given time and space to run his own race, though," Finkelstein wrote in July. "He may not be the dynamic athlete or playmaker some expect at first, but he is a fundamentally sound player with solid perimeter size and a good early skill set.”

Nevertheless, Bryce will soon don the Wildcats jersey, and fans will hope the younger James will rise and shine just like his father.