Bryce James Starts Season Opener for Arizona
The LeBron James son started alongside four teammates in Arizona's opening game against UCLA as RJ Godfrey sat out.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
Arizona started Bryce James, a sophomore and son of LeBron James, in its season opener against UCLA on Monday. The starting lineup matched the group used in the Wildcats' three exhibition games at McKale Center.
Why it matters
Coach Tommy Lloyd started James because he expected RJ Godfrey to be available and wanted to keep his rotations intact. Godfrey remained out of the lineup, leaving the team's rotation uncertain.
James was taken out 3:08 into the game and finished 0 for 2 from the field with one assist to Ivan Kharchenkov. Godfrey missed all six exhibition games, including three in Lithuania, and his return date remains unclear.
The players
Bryce James
Bryce James is the son of NBA star LeBron James and a sophomore guard for the Arizona Wildcats who redshirted last season.
Tommy Lloyd
Tommy Lloyd is the head men's basketball coach at the University of Arizona who made the decision to start James in the opener.
The details
Arizona kept the same starting group used in its exhibition slate: Bryce James, Derek Dixon, Caleb Holt, Ivan Kharchenkov and Motiejus Krivas. James, who redshirted last season, was the first player subbed out, mirroring his exhibition pattern.
Timeline
Monday: Arizona opened its season against UCLA with Bryce James in the starting lineup.
Season Trajectory
Bryce James's first college start arrives as the son of one of the NBA's most prominent players, extending the family's visibility into college basketball. For Arizona, the early rotation questions around Godfrey's eligibility will shape how the Wildcats build their depth through the season.
Fantasy managers tracking Arizona players should note that James played limited early minutes and that Godfrey's status remains open. Viewers following the Wildcats will see whether Lloyd keeps the same starting group once Godfrey is eligible.
The takeaway
Early rotation choices can signal how a coach balances eligibility uncertainty with developing younger players. Watching how Arizona adjusts once Godfrey is available will show whether the opening lineup was a short-term fix or a lasting change.
Further reading
For more on the program, see Basketball coverage across Tucson.
