NCAA Basketball: Ranking the top 3 teams in play for 4-star guard Bronny James

Oregon Ducks

For some reason or another, it hasn’t worked out with Will Richardson being the lead guard and starter for the Ducks. They missed the NCAA Tournament last season and at 11-9 is on pace to miss it again. There’s going to be a ton of turnover, especially in the backcourt and on the wings. Richarson will be gone and Colorado transfer Keeshawn Barthelemy is more of an off-guard than a true point guard.

If James were to join Oregon, he’d be paired with a couple of five-star and top-10 overall wings in Mookie Cook and Kwame Evans Jr. How that would work out is an interesting question, as there’s going to be a lot of talent set to leave this offseason. But James would have a great shot at starting as a freshman next season.

Playing at the ultimate “Nike” school has its benefits for a player who could certainly get his own shoe deal in the future. And head coach Dana Altman is a respected figure in NCAA Basketball, even with the team’s recent struggles. But the Ducks aren’t UCLA or Arizona and could fall in the background unless the team is top-25 caliber.

From a playing time perspective, Oregon is easily the best fit. But if Ohio State and USC can make the case that Bronny will play there as well, the Ducks’ case won’t be as strong.