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Jason Whitlock accuses LeBron James of influencing Bryce’s role after Arizona debut
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- Jason Whitlock accuses LeBron James of influencing Bryce’s role after Arizona debut
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Jason Whitlock has questioned Bryce James' place in Arizona's basketball team after LeBron James' youngest son made his first start for the Wildcats.
The veteran analyst believes LeBron's influence, rather than Bryce's performances, may have played a part in him receiving an opportunity with the college programme.
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Bryce featured for just six minutes in Arizona's 84-75 upset defeat to UCLA, recording no points or rebounds and finishing with one assist.
Jason Whitlock questions Bryce James' role with Arizona
Whitlock was particularly critical of the limited role Bryce was given during the game and suggested his involvement was more about keeping his father happy than his ability on the court.
Speaking in an Instagram video, Whitlock said:
"Bryce James is a make-a-swish kid. Arizona, the number 5 team country last night, gave Bryce James, LeBron's youngest son, three minutes at the beginning of the first half and three minutes at the beginning of the second half, and that's it."
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He then made his criticism of LeBron's influence even clearer:
"He's a make-a-swish kid, has no business on the Arizona basketball team, and LeBron is forcing them to give him token starts."
Bryce went 0-for-3 from the field and missed both of his three-point attempts against UCLA. However, it was only his first appearance and does not necessarily reflect what he can offer Arizona over the course of the season.
The youngster redshirted his freshman year to preserve his eligibility while developing his game and adjusting to college basketball.
His brother Bronny also faced scrutiny during his only season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
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Whitlock has previously questioned LeBron's decisions regarding Bronny's basketball career. He suggested the Lakers star could have encouraged his eldest son to pursue American football instead.
"Bronny James, with a different father, would be an outside linebacker or free safety on a major college football team, seen as a first- or second-round draft pick," he said.
Bryce now has time to respond to the criticism and establish himself at Arizona. His performances in the coming games will be important as he looks to build his own reputation rather than simply being viewed as LeBron James' son.
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