Report: LeBron James discusses Dana Altman, Bronny James ‘mutual’ interest with Oregon Ducks
By all accounts, it’s been a tough few months for Dana Altman and the Oregon Ducks, who look to be on track for another disappointing trip to the National Invitational Tournament rather than a spot in the NCAA Tournament in the middle of March. Despite that, there is some positive buzz around the Oregon men’s basketball program, thanks to the recruiting prowess held by the Ducks’ head coach.
Oregon has already signed the No. 8 recruiting class in the 2023 cycle, and there’s a chance that could get better going forward. Last week, 4-star recruit Bronny James, the No. 33 player in 2023 and son of NBA legend LeBron James, reportedly narrowed his recruitment down to three schools; Ohio State, USC, and Oregon.
While the Buckeyes have a close connection to the James family from LeBron’s upbringing, and the Trojans are the current hometown option, it’s Oregon’s relationship with Phil Knight and proximity to Nike that is keeping the Ducks in the mix.
LeBron was in Portland over the weekend for a game against the Trail Blazers, and The Oregonian’s Bill Oram (subscription required) caught up with the Lakers’ superstar to gauge how real his son’s interest in the Ducks really was.
“Dana knows,” James said. “He knows the interest. And it’s mutual.”
While the prospect of going to ‘Nike University’ is certainly appealing to a high school player that has already inked a lucrative NIL deal with the brand, James talked about how impressive Altman’s success has been in Eugene over the past few years.
Why is Oregon among Bronny James’ top schools alongside USC and Ohio State? Putting aside the Nike for a second, here’s what LeBron said:
– “It’s the ability to put pros into the league”
– “Dana Altman from the outside looks like a great coach”https://t.co/X0xbLTHhOm https://t.co/VUGs9Rd1iB— Bill Oram (@billoram) January 23, 2023
Will all of that be enough to put the Ducks out front in Bronny’s recruitment? It’s too early to tell, but we will know more in the coming weeks and months as the eldest James son plans to commit at the end of his basketball season.
Bronny James’ Recruiting Profile
Ratings
Stars | Overall | State | Position | |
247 | 4 | 93 | CA | SG |
Rivals | 4 | N/A | CA | SG |
ESPN | 4 | 88 | CA | SG |
On3 Recruiting | 4 | 95 | CA | SG |
247 Composite | 4 | 0.9813 | CA | SG |
Vitals
Hometown | Los Angeles, California |
Projected Position | Shooting Guard |
Height | 6-foot-3 |
Weight | 190 Pounds |
Class | 2023 |
Highlights
Top Schools
Recruitment
Has not yet been offered by Oregon
Took visit to Ohio State on September 3, 2022
