Bryce James Redshirt Talks Increase After Arizona Fails To Use Him In Games

Bryce James' initial collegiate journey at the University of Arizona has so far revolved around the bench rather than active play. The three-star freshman guard, the son of famed NBA player LeBron James, has not participated in the Wildcats' opening three games, fueling speculation about his potential absence for the entire season. After Arizona's recent win against Northern Arizona, coach Tommy Lloyd confirmed that redshirting James and teammate Mabil Mawut is a viable option. This strategic stance aims to safeguard James' future eligibility, as the team's impressive depth makes it challenging for someone not positioned for immediate impact to secure playing time. "It's a difficult situation," Lloyd noted. "Playing Bryce for just a few minutes could jeopardize a year of eligibility." Lloyd criticized the NCAA's rigid regulations, advocating for a long-term approach that favors James’ development over immediate engagement. He reinforced that the coach and player are aligned on the redshirting decision, emphasizing its potential benefits for James’ overall collegiate career.