Bronny James opens up on memorable 2023, players trying to recruit him

Sierra Canyon (Calif.) five-star combo guard Bronny James knows that the questions will keep coming his way until he makes a decision. The top uncommitted player in the 2023 recruiting cycle and the eldest son of LeBron James, Bronny actively has some of the nation’s top players trying to recruit him.

James will be playing at the Nike Hoops Summit this weekend in Portland, Oregon. During this week’s availability, James spoke with the media and KGN News shared a clip from that interview where James opened up about his recruitment and more.

“You know, it’s fun times and good to joke with them,” James said during the interview. “Talking to them, talking to the coaches, it’s good to know they want me there with them. But at the end of the day, it’s my decision and I need to make the right one for me.”

Bronny was then asked when he plans on making his decision but that question was immediately shot down and reporters were told to ask about USA Basketball and the Nike Hoops Summit.

On Jan. 17 a report from Luca Evans of The Los Angeles Times stated Bronny will make his college decision after the season and will choose between Ohio State, Oregon and USC.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, Ohio State currently holds a narrow lead over USC to land James’ commitment with the Buckeyes sitting at 59.5% and USC at 40.1%

A memorable year for Bronny James

Being invited to the Nike Hoops Summit is another notch on Bronny’s belt as he was named a five-star prospect by On3 on March and played in the McDonald’s All-American game on March 28. He finished with 15 points, four assists and a rebound.

“You know, I’ve always believed in myself,” James said. “I try to just do that, keep a healthy mindset for myself but you know, I have goals and I know other people have goals, so whatever the decision is, it is what it is and I’m happy with it.”

James is the No. 27 overall prospect and No. 5 combo guard in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 7 player in California.

On3 ranks Bronny higher than the other three major recruiting outlets according to the Industry Comparison. He’s ranked as five-star prospect, the No. 9 player in the country, the No. 2 combo guard and the No. 1 player in California.

Bronny James currently has the highest On3 NIL Valuation in the country at $7.2 million. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.