Ohio State Target Bronny James: College Pick Is 'My Decision'

Uncommitted class of 2023 combo guard Bronny James made his stance clear on his college decision after Nike Hoops Summit practice Wednesday.

Author:
Casey Smith
Apr 6, 2023 11:41 AM EDT

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Ohio State Buckeyes

The big questions around combo guard and Ohio State Buckeyes target Bronny James' recruitment: when and where will he commit?

After speaking to reporters after the first day of the Nike Hoops Summit practices in Portland on Wednesday, neither of those questions will be answered.

During practice, Oregon commit Jackson Shelstad has been recruiting the Sierra Canyon High School product to be a Duck, which James called "fun times" and "good jokes."

"Talking to them, talking to the coaches, it's good to know that they want me there with them," James said. "But at the end of the day, it's my decision and I'm going to make the right one for me," James said.

James was asked when he was planning to announce his college commitment, but was interrupted by an interview moderator before he could answer.

James is the top uncommitted recruit in the class of 2023, ranking 33rd nationally, ninth at his position and seventh in his home state of California, according to 247Sports.

The Los Angeles native has narrowed down his three options to Ohio State, Oregon and USC.

James took an official visit to Columbus the weekend of Sept. 3, 2022, attending the Buckeyes' football season opener against Notre Dame.

If he commits to Ohio State, he will be the highest-ranked class of 2023 Buckeyes commit, topping No. 36 Taison Chatman, No. 44 Scotty Middleton, No. 50 Devin Royal and No. 173 Austin Parks.

The Nike Hoops Summit Saturday, in which the best high school players in the United States face the best 19-and-younger players from around the world, will be his second opportunity to play in a national game in the span of 11 days. He played in the McDonald's All-American Game March 28, scoring 15 points on a game-high five 3-pointers in just under 20 minutes of play and capturing the attention of NBA scouts.

James said his father, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James, has given him "good words" and "good encouragement" ahead of Saturday's contest. He said his family will be in Portland for the game.

"They're definitely going to be in attendance, you're going to see them and you're going to hear them for sure," James said. "The whole family's going to be out here, so it's going to be good to see."

He said this week he wants to work on remaining confident in himself.

"Being here with all these elite players, I just want to show that I belong and what I can do," James said "So just playing my game and being confident, just being smart."