The basketball court has always been a canvas for the James family—a place where LeBron James painted masterpieces and his sons, Bronny and Bryce, learned to follow suit. Yet, like any compelling play, life throws in twists. While Bronny embraced the family tradition, first at Sierra Canyon and later at Los Angeles, Bryce’s bold decision to forge his own path has sparked excitement, leaving his brother thrilled and their father proudly watching from the sidelines.

According to a recent Instagram post by Bryce, he committed to the University of Arizona, donning their jersey and captioning it, “100% committed 🐻⬇️.” The post drew immediate attention, including a jubilant comment from Bronny: “Yessirrrrrrr.” Bryce’s decision to attend Arizona marked a departure from the expected trajectory of staying within the family’s familiar collegiate choices or even skipping college like his father.

LeBron James also shared his pride on Instagram, writing, “🐻 DOWN⬇️!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS MAXIMUS!! SO PROUD OF YOU!!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🤎🤎🤎🥺🥺🥺🤴🏾 #JamesGang👑.” The message exuded joy, showcasing the unwavering support he offers his children, even when their choices deviate from his own journey.

Bryce, a 6’4″, 190-pound guard, currently plays at Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles, the same powerhouse high school where Bronny honed his skills. Per 247Sports, Bryce is a 3-star recruit, ranked No. 257 overall and the No. 46 shooting guard in the class of 2025. Though these rankings place him further down the roster of elite prospects, his potential is undeniable. Bryce isn’t just following the family blueprint—he’s rewriting it, with his Arizona commitment marking the start of a new era for the James legacy.

Bryce James breaks the mold: A new legacy begins at Arizona

The family tradition Bryce is moving away from runs deep. Bronny’s path, from Sierra Canyon to USC, closely mirrored the conventional basketball pipeline. LeBron, on the other hand, famously skipped college altogether, entering the 2003 NBA Draft directly from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. His decision, groundbreaking at the time, launched a career that redefined what it means to be a high school prodigy.

Bryce however, who is ESPN’s four-star standout from Sierra Canyon, had no shortage of suitors, with offers from powerhouses like Ohio State and Duquesne—where he got his first scholarship back in 2022. But it was his time on the Nike EYBL circuit with the Strive For Greatness program that truly turned heads, as he averaged 6.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

His sharp shooting, highlighted by a 21-point performance against Nightrydas Elite and his 36.8% accuracy from beyond the arc, has already shown his potential. His invite to the USA Basketball U17 National Team training camp in June only solidifies his rising star status. Now, his commitment to Arizona, alongside top-25 prospect Dwayne Aristode, not only strengthens the Wildcats’ 2025 class but also sets the stage for a new chapter in the James family’s basketball legacy.

In basketball, every play evolves, every strategy adapts, and every decision carries weight. Bryce’s commitment to Arizona may be a break from tradition, but it’s also a step toward building his own legacy. And for the James family, this isn’t a detour—it’s just another way to keep their story on the court compelling.