James, ranked as the 33rd overall recruit in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports, narrowed his college choice list last month to USC, Oregon and Ohio State. Among the top 80 recruits, he is the only one who has yet to commit to a school or decide to turn pro.
The 6-foot-3 combo guard out of Sierra Canyon High School in Los Angeles was recently named a McDonald’s All-American.
“Bronny is NBA-bound, and he fits into the parameters of our Next Stars program really, really well,” said Loeliger.
The NBL’s Next Stars developmental program has sent some solid talent to the NBA in recent years. Fellow American and Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball played for Illawarra in 2019 and was then selected third overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. Oklahoma City’s Josh Giddey and Ousmane Dieng, also lottery picks, participated in the program.
A Next Stars program participant signs a contract directly with the league rather than a specific team, per the Sporting Tribune’s Wilko Martínez-Cachero. Once finalized, Loeliger works with the player, his family, representatives and other league officials to select a club based on the player’s goals.
Factors considered include geographical location, roster fit, coaching and personalities.
James confirmed his shortlist of schools last month but insists that his recruitment is “still open.” Despite this, the NBL will likely have trouble convincing him to forgo opportunities to go to college or a stint with the G League Ignite.
Loeliger says the league is “realistic” about its chances of signing James. NBL owner Larry Kestelman called it a “long shot,” but based on early conversations with Klutch Sports Group, he believes the league will “be in the mix” for James’ services.
Memphis could be another suitor to watch late in James’ process. On3’s Jamie Shaw reported over the summer that the Tigers were actively recruiting James. Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway’s son, Ashton, a Sierra Canyon teammate of James, hinted on Instagram that Memphis could still be in play for James.
The Tigers boast the fifth-best 2023 recruiting class in 247Sports’ team rankings, headlined by No. 26 prospect Mikey Williams. Williams and James have a connection from their AAU days playing together for the North Coast Blue Chips.
James will reportedly make his highly anticipated decision after Sierra Canyon’s season. He’ll be eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft, and his father has been incredibly vocal about the possibility of teaming up with him.
