Ohio State reportedly a top choice for Bronny James

COLUMBUS — Ohio State might be on a skid on the court, but on the recruiting trail, it’s hotter than ever.

Four-star Cleveland (Ohio) Sierra Canyon (Calif.) guard Bronny James, the son of LeBron James and one of the most coveted uncommitted 2023 prospects, has mentioned three top schools for his pledge.

Ohio State is one of those three.

Oregon and USC are the other programs.

Luca Evans of the Los Angeles Times reported the information, a rare bit of intel from one of the most hushed recruitments regardless of sport.

James and his father have only visited Ohio State of the three named schools. He took an unofficial to Columbus the weekend of the Buckeyes’ football season opener against Notre Dame on Sept. 3. The No. 6 combo guard and No. 29 overall prospect by On3 is the highest-rated uncommitted prospect in the 2023 cycle.

James is expected to make his college decision once his senior season at Sierra Canyon has finished. The Trailblazers’ last announced scheduled game is on Jan. 27.

Should the Buckeyes land James, it would arguably be the biggest recruit to commit to Ohio State merely based on name and popularity.

Ohio State has the No. 10 2023 class per the On3 Consensus and the No. 2 class in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes have signed three top-100 prospects to their class: Devin Royal, Scotty Middleton and Taison Chatman. Big man Austin Parks rounds out the class.

Will the Buckeyes be the winner for James’ pledge? They’re the heavy favorite according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine and are the only school to host James.

Ohio State isn’t a ‘finalist’ but it is reportedly in great contention to land the cycle’s biggest name — Bronny James.

Bronny James Scouting Report

Bronny James is a sturdy guard, with a strong frame, long arms, and broad shoulders. The 6-2/6-3 guard is a noted defender at the point of attack. He moves his feet well laterally and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Offensively he does not really show blow-by burst in the half-court, but he attacks closeouts well, and he is strong in the paint. James is good in transition, has a little bit of wiggle there, and can get on the rim. He is explosive in straight lines. James needs to tighten his handle in space. One of his biggest areas of improvement is from three, where he has cleaned up his mechanics – especially the release – and gathered his balance. James made 13 threes in six Peach Jam games at a 35 percent clip. He will need to finish better at the rim, especially in traffic. When playing as the primary initiator, he takes care of the ball with a better than 2.5:1 assists to turnover ratio at Peach Jam.

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