Former National Coach Gets Blunt on Chasing LeBron James as Son Bryce James Rejects Same University Decades Later

Paul Biancardi, ex-assistant coach at Ohio State from 1997 to 2003 recounted his experience recruiting LeBron James during his high school years on his Instagram story. “I was assistant coach at Ohio State.. We started recruiting him as a freshman and then we stopped by the time he was a senior. The NBA was calling his name,” Biancardi shared on his Instagram story.

Although LeBron James hailed from Ohio, his exceptional talent caught the attention of recruiters far beyond his home state, with scouts from all over the country taking notice. By the time he was a senior, it was clear his talent belonged in the NBA. LeBron ultimately chose to forgo college basketball and enter the 2003 NBA Draft, where he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fast forward to today, and Bryce James, LeBron’s youngest son, is beginning to carve his own path in the basketball world.

The 17-year-old shooting guard from Sierra Canyon High School in California, Bryce James, has officially committed to the University of Arizona. He shared the exciting news on social media, donning an Arizona jersey and posting “100% committed” on his Instagram story. What’s particularly interesting is that Bryce also received offers from other programs, including Ohio State University, which would have kept him closer to home. However, like his father, his path appears to be taking him far from their birthplace in Ohio, as the James family continues to carve out their own professional legacies outside their home state.

Imagine being a budding sportsperson and having a blood-bond with one of the biggest personalities to provide guidance. Better yet, imagine being someone that player that coaches regret not signing decades later. But being the son of King James comes with many more boons, let’s see who else inspires the young Bryce James in his upcoming basketball journey.

Bryce James looks up to players beyond his dad

In a recent interview, the young Bryce James opened up about his basketball idols and mentors. “Honestly, Chris Paul, that’s basically my uncle [and] D-Wade”, he said. Popularly known as the Banana Boat Crew, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade have been friends with LeBron James since teenage. “He and my dad were really close and he had a really good connection with me,”, he added.

Bryce went on to talk about how his ‘uncles’ made him the player he is today. “They helped me just playin’.. Taught me how to play the right way.”, he added. Paul has been in the NBA for almost two decades at this point and he can be the guidance that young sportsmen look up to. “Especially with he and my dad being at the league for so long.. Helped me elevate my game”, said the young Arizona-recruit.

Paul, LeBron and Wade bring decades of NBA wisdom, offering insights on everything from mastering court vision to navigating the pressures of being a young athlete in the spotlight. Bryce’s connection to these legends could be a game-changer. While Bronny James has followed his dad to land in Lakers himself, fans wait to see how Bryce James’ career unfolds.