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Bronny James’ stock continues to rise. The high school senior has now gained elite status according to one major recruiting outlet.
On3 recruiting services has rated James as a five-star prospect, as well as one of the top 10 players in the 2023 class.
James climbed 18 spots in the national rankings with the latest On3 update, and he’s now ranked as the top recruit in the state of California by the site. He’s also pegged as the country’s No. 2 ranked combo guard behind Kentucky signee DJ Wagner, Jr.
On3 analyst Jamie Shaw spoke to that massive rise in a recent story.
“He entered Sierra Canyon as a freshman and arguably as the most famous high schooler in sports. This fame has followed him, and even continued to grow. But so has Bronny’s game.
“We saw at Peach Jam this summer what Bronny could look like as a featured player. While he is best served moving as a complimentary piece, he showed the confidence to step up and make things happen. He showed a nice jump shot that he consistently knocked down off the catch and he showed an aptitude of taking care of the ball.
“Bronny has also grown into his explosion. We saw this more and more over the past six to eight months as he is getting on the rim regularly in transition. This strength and explosion also give upside projections on the defensive end of the floor. He also has a high-level understanding of the game that you don’t see with a lot high school players. He is blessed with great genes, he was born around the game and has grown up around the greats, watching his dad, LeBron James. How his dad works, how his dad prepares, and how his dad treats the game as a job. That can’t be understated.”
Shaw notes that prior to his breakout senior season, Bronny was viewed widely as a role player. His recent performance, though, has not only led to a jump up the recruiting rankings, but up NBA draft boards, too.
That professional future will have to wait at least one more season as he’ll first have to find a college home. He’s reportedly down to a pair of West Coast programs as he hones in on a commitment.
Now, it is worth noting that On3 is currently the only major recruiting service to list James as a five-star recruit, though all others have him ranked among the top 50 players.
Some online were quick to point that out as they debate whether James’s talent or name contributes more to the ratings bump.
— Ryan Alexander (@ryanramoneda) March 7, 2023
All because of his name
— h (@ifosksksjd) March 7, 2023
Some even asked if the service was getting paid to move Bronny up the list.
On3 just recieve a sizeable donation/investment from the James family?
— TheOrangeShovel (@TheOrangeShovel) March 7, 2023
On3 founder Shannon Terry refuted the claims, saying that his talent makes him a legitimate college and NBA prospect.
On3 ranks for the draft.
Bronny is the best 3 & D guard in this class. A late lottery team will draft him accordingly.
Next time just say what you mean — more respect that way. Check back in two years. https://t.co/vtOohdRIh4
— Shannon Terry (@ShannonTerry) March 7, 2023
Time will tell if On3’s evaluation of Bronny James is correct. The nation awaits his pending college decision.