The California Basketball Club’s roster features four players whose fathers are NBA legends.
Bronny James and his younger brother, Bryce, are the sons of LeBron James. Ashton Hardaway, Bronny’s teammate at Sierra Canyon (California) High School, is the son of Memphis head coach and four-time NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway. And Justin Pippen, another Sierra Canyon player, is the son of Naismith Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen (as well as the brother of Lakers rookie Scotty Jr.).
The team is heading to Europe for three games over a 12-day span, facing teams from London, Paris and Rome.
Over the next week, we will break down how the team played, what we learned from each game and provide analysis and scouting reports on key players, including Bronny, who is currently the No. 39-ranked recruit overall in the 2023 ESPN 100.
Schedule
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CBC vs. London: Thursday, Aug. 11, 3 p.m. ET (ESPNU/ESPN App)
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CBC vs. Paris: Monday, Aug. 15, 2 p.m. ET (ESPN2/ESPN App)
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CBC vs. Rome: Thursday, Aug. 18, noon ET (ESPNU/ESPN App)
What to watch for
1. Bronny James
It seems just a short time ago, James was the new kid on the block as a freshman at Sierra Canyon, playing with the likes of Brandon Boston Jr., Ziaire Williams and Amari Bailey. Now, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound point guard is the elder statesman and leader of the team.
The game has slowed down for him, as James is able to compete with intensity, make sound decisions under pressure and produce against high-level competition. Throughout his high school career, he has done an excellent job at navigating the spotlight of being the son of an 18-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA Finals MVP. He has concentrated on improving himself instead of trying to prove himself.
This week, James, the No. 39 prospect in the 2023 ESPN 100, will face international competition, which will not only be an opportunity for him to show what he can do on the court in terms of playing, but also his leadership as a rising senior. It will be important for him to use his voice to lead his team and encourage others in the right moments, especially because players on the team gravitate toward him.
Although it’s still relatively early in the recruiting process, there is a strong feeling he will take the college route as opposed to the G League Ignite or other developmental leagues. He is being pursued by the likes of UCLA, USC, Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon, among others.
2. Bryce James
Not only will this be Bryce’s first year on the varsity squad, but it will also be the first time the James brothers take the floor together in a competitive setting. The younger James is noted for his outside shooting and skill as he has grown to 6-foot-4 as a rising sophomore.
Much like his older brother, Bryce looks to do what’s best for the team first and make the right play. Where he differs from Bronny is that he will let his thoughts be known when the game starts to get more intense.
At the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, Bryce stood at his father’s chest; now, they’re almost at eye level. Even last year, according to a staff member, Bryce stood at 6-foot-1 — and he still has room to grow. That also means his game has plenty of room for development. He is expected to contribute this year and has the opportunity to make a big jump next season.
3. Ashton Hardaway
Hardaway, a 6-7, 195-pound small forward, possesses strong basketball instincts with a prowess for making shots, even though he struggled at times during Peach Jam. He operates well out of the high post as a triple-threat player. He can excel as a screener, helping space the floor and also shoot the ball. In off-ball screening actions, he can slip or pop to open areas for clean looks. At times, Hardaway has also demonstrated the ability to handle the ball as a second side pick-and-roll threat.
He works hard and is competitive, which are two important traits. Two areas of focus are his free throw shooting and rebounding. He doesn’t get to the line often, and his free throw percentage at the Nike EYBL was 57%. On the glass, he needs to rebound through contact at a higher clip to be more productive. That said, Hardaway owns a long frame and is teachable.
The teams that have expressed interest in the rising senior’s recruitment have been growing. So far, that list includes USC, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Auburn, Virginia, Arizona State, Texas, Maryland and Illinois.
4. Justin Pippen
Pippen, a 6-1, 160-pound junior point guard, is starting to blossom on the scene after his development was slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on scheduling. He has a scoring point guard’s game, as he looks to create for others and make the pass from his dribble penetration. And at a moment’s notice, he can shift gears and become a scoring threat.
He is a bit more vocal than his older brother and might have more natural ability at this same stage. Scottie was a dedicated worker who improved each season and whose body eventually caught up to his skill and game instincts. Justin could take a similar path, but these three games could serve as a breakout opportunity.