Back on November 22, when the McKale Center was electric for Arizona’s showdown against Duke, Bryce James stole the spotlight. Drapped in a crisp UA letterman jacket, he posted a photo to Instagram with just two words: “Bear Down?” It wasn’t his first stop on the college tour. Weeks earlier, Bryce had been at Ohio State, soaking in the atmosphere of a Buckeyes football game and receiving a scholarship offer shortly after. He then visited USC during their Midnight Madness event, getting a firsthand look at the Trojans’ program. But it seemed something about that night in McKale had convinced the 17-year-old senior from Sierra Canyon High School.

The game saw Duke, led by freshman Cooper Flagg, emerge victorious, seemingly putting on the Wildcats’ hopes of convincing Bryce. However, Bryce had seen enough. A bustling McKale Center, cheering on the Wildcats, saw them fall short 69-55. But you see, it stayed with Bryce. In January, he announced his commitment to Arizona with a “100% commited[sic]🐻,” while posing in a Wildcats basketball uniform. But it was his father, LeBron, who beat him to it.

Dave McMenamin had already gotten the news out from the elder James after he’d scored 38 points in the Lakers’ 114-106 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Bron couldn’t help but quip the fact that he “got some terrible friends” in Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye as alum there. But focusing on the important things, he said, “It was his decision to make, and he went where he felt comfortable.

“Coach (Tommy) Lloyd is a straight shooter. Gave him exactly what they believe (about) him, what they thought about him as a person, as a player. We’re happy to be part of the Bear Down community now.” Since then, the Wildcats awaited an official confirmation, and on Thursday, they finally had it. Arizona Basketball announced on Instagram,

“Bryce has officially signed 🐻⬇️.” The post also featured a video message from the hyped teenager, stating, “What’s going on Wildcat nation? Can’t wait to get there and start working,” he said. Of course, no one was prouder of Bryce than his parents. Savannah shared the post on her IG story, with multiple heart emojis and the Wildcats logo. LeBron tagged along with Savannah with a simple IG story share.

A few days after this announcement, Bryce achieved a career-high tally of 16 points in a Sierra Canyon win over Grayson. A 6-foot-4, 190-pound guard, Bryce, has long been on the radar as a high-major prospect. Early in his recruitment, he picked up offers from Duquesne and Ohio State, signaling his potential to compete at the next level. Arizona entered the mix later, but has successfully managed to sway him to Tucson.

For James, the big pull was having the chance to play under Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd. Lloyd has developed one of the most explosive offenses in college basketball, and for a dynamic guard like James, that’s exactly what he needed.

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Meanwhile, Bryce is joining the Wildcats on a full scholarship, which means it “covers the costs of tuition and fees, room and board, and textbooks, leaving only incidental costs to pay for the student-athlete. In this case, 100% of the costs are covered and it can be worth up to a staggering $400,000 over four years” per US Sports Scholarships’ website.

So, the James family is practically saving millions with Bryce’s decision. Apart from Arizona, the 17-year-old also had offers from Duquesne and Ohio State. But now that Bryce has taken another step in his hoop journey, the next question on everyone’s mind is—Will he end up sharing an NBA court with LeBron just like Bronny?

Former Lakers star reveals LeBron James’ masterplan as Bryce James remains sceptical about playing with his dad

When LeBron and Bronny checked into an NBA game for the first time earlier this season, it was truly a historic moment. Now, the Lakers star has the chance to replicate that moment with his younger son. Well, Bryce will be eligible for the draft next year after spending his freshman season with the Wildcats.

And LBJ’s former teammate Dwight Howard believes playing with both his sons is part of LeBron’s plan. “Yeah, he’s setting that up now. Bryce is up next.” Howard said during a live broadcast last month.

Considering that LeBron is still playing at an All-NBA level, he could easily go on for a few more years if he wanted to. So, if he wishes to play with Bryce, he will likely make it happen like he did with Bronny. However, the new Arizona recruit seems to have his doubts about it.

When asked about the possibility of playing with his father in the NBA, Bryce said during an IG live last year, “I ain’t gonna lie, that’s OD. Waiting until I, nah, that’s too much… That’s too much, nah. He’s gonna be 42, bro.” But one thing we have learned from watching LeBron is—age is just a number for him.

USA Today via Reuters

And talking of Bryce being good enough to make it to the NBA, many believe he is better than his older brother. Of course, what helps is that he is already a few inches taller. Also, Bryce recently won the State Championship with Sierra Canyon before committing to Arizona.

So, he might be more NBA-ready than people think. Looks like the stars might be aligning for LeBron, Bryce, and Bronny to suit up in the same uniform and play together in the league very soon. Thoughts