The Arizona Wildcats are no strangers to having family members of superstar athletes play a sport at the UA.
Both the Arizona men's basketball and football programs added a player from a prestigious athletic background. UA football signed former Kansas State wide receiver Tre Spivey III, the son of former Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Junior Spivey, who helped the D-backs win the World Series in 2001.
More notably, Arizona basketball landed a commitment from shooting guard Bryce James, the youngest son of NBA icon and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
“Coach (Tommy) Lloyd is a straight shooter," LeBron James said Thursday night. "Gave him exactly what they believe (about) him, what they thought about him as a person, as a player. We’re happy to be part of the Bear Down community now.”
Added James: “Got some terrible friends in Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye that are alum there. So not too excited about that, but other than that, we’re excited to go be a part of the Tucson community.”
Bryce James and Tre Spivey, who will both join their respective UA teams this year, are the latest children of professional athletes to have part of their athletic career in Tucson.
Ella Hatteburg, a junior defender for the Arizona soccer team, is the daughter of former Major League Baseball player Scott Hatteburg, who played for the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds. Papa Hatteburg was a part of Oakland's 2002 club that was featured in the biographical sports film "Moneyball" — Hatteburg's character was played by Chris Pratt.
In 2018, Arizona basketball signed Shareef O'Neal, son of Shaquille O'Neal, but the then-federal investigation of the UA program led the younger O'Neal to play at UCLA before finishing his college career at LSU.
As for the following players, some of them became all-time Wildcats. Here are some of the Wildcats who hail from athletic families.
Arizona's Miles Simon and Mike Bibby celebrate after their victory over North Carolina in the semifinals at the Final Four in 1997.
Mike Bibby
Who they're related to: Son of longtime NBA player and coach Henry Bibby
What they did at Arizona: As a freshman, Mike Bibby led the Wildcats to a win over Kentucky to claim the 1997 national championship. Bibby was the 1997 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and was the second overall pick by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 1998 NBA Draft. Bibby played 14 seasons in the NBA.
Matt and Julie Brase
Who they're related to: Grandchildren of Arizona basketball coaching legend Lute Olson. Their father, Jon Brase, also played baseball at Iowa.
What they did at Arizona: Matt Brase played for Olson at Arizona before becoming a coach at Arizona and professionally. He's currently an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers. Julie Brase, who starred at Catalina Foothills High School and played for the UA women's basketball team, is the Wildcats' all-time leader in 3-point field goals (125). Brase, now Julie Hairgrove, was an assistant coach for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury from 2005-21 and was inducted into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame.
Arizona's Shelley Duncan (18) celebrates with the team after he hit a home run during a game against St. Mary's on Jan. 21, 2000.
Shelley Duncan
Who they're related to: Son of former MLB catcher and coach Dave Duncan
What they did at Arizona: Shelley Duncan, a Tucson native and Canyon del Oro High School product, was a first-team All-American outfielder in 2001 and set several UA baseball records, including career home runs (55), home runs in a season (24) and home runs by a freshman (20). Duncan was drafted by the New York Yankees in the second round of the '01 MLB Draft.
Former UA baseball star Terry Francona, center, earned World Series rings during his time as manager of the Boston Red Sox.
Terry Francona
Who they're related to: Son of former MLB All-Star Tito Francona
What they did at Arizona: Terry Francona, also called Tito, led the Wildcats to the 1980 College World Series and was named Most Outstanding Player of the event. Francona, who also played in the 1979 Pan American Games, is the only player in UA history to win the Golden Spikes Award. Francona is a two-time World Series champion as a manager — both with the Red Sox.
Makoa and Makai Freitas
Who they're related to: Sons of former NFL offensive lineman and Oregon State Hall of Famer Rockne Freitas
What they did at Arizona: Makoa was an All-Pac-10 honorable mention as an offensive tackle for the Wildcats, then was drafted in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Makai also played on Arizona's offensive line.
Arizona wide receiver Trey Griffey (5) before a game against BYU, Sept. 3, 2016, in Phoenix.
Trey and Taryn Griffey
Who they're related to: Children of Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr.
What they did at Arizona: Although the Griffeys are baseball royalty, "The Kid's" kids took on different sports in their athletic careers. In four seasons as a wide receiver for the Arizona football program, Trey Griffey recorded 79 receptions for 1,241 yards and six touchdowns. Taryn Griffey, a guard for the UA women's basketball team, averaged 7.1 points and 2.7 rebounds and shot 39.8% from 3-point range.
Arizona guard Max Hazzard (5) reacts after making a three-point basket against Utah during the second half, Jan. 16, 2020, in Tucson. Arizona won 93-77.
Max and Jacob Hazzard
Who they're related to: Grandsons of Walt Hazzard, a former UCLA player and head coach
What they did at Arizona: Jacob Hazzard was a walk-on guard during the height of the Sean Miller era from 2012-16. His younger brother, Max, was a backup guard for the 2019-20 team for one season after transferring from UC Irvine.
Jalen and Jason Harris
Who they're related to: Sons of former NFL linebacker and "Desert Swarm" member Sean Harris and former UA women's basketball forward Cha-Ron Walker-Harris
What they did at Arizona: Both Harris brothers played defensive end at Arizona. Jalen Harris had practice squad stints with the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders.
Hank Hobson
Who they're related to: Son of former Boston Red Sox player and manager Butch Hobson
What they did at Arizona: In 46 games as a linebacker and special teams standout for the Arizona football team, Hobson had 35 tackles.
Arizona coach Sean Miller talks to Nick Johnson during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Colorado at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012.
Nick Johnson
Who they're related to: Son of "Jumpin'" Joey Johnson and nephew of Boston Celtics legend Dennis Johnson
What they did at Arizona: Nicknamed "Bunnies," the high-flying Nick Johnson became a consensus first-team All-American and the 2014 Pac-12 Player of the Year as a junior. Johnson led the Wildcats to a Sweet 16 and Elite Eight appearance in his last two seasons at the UA.
Martin Keino
Who they're related to: Son of Olympic gold medalist runner Kipchoge Keino, a former chairman of the Kenyan Olympic Committee
What they did at Arizona: Martin Keino won two NCAA championships, six Pac-10 titles and was a five-time All-American in four years as a Wildcat. Keino was also the NCAA Athlete of the Year for cross country in 1994.
Lance Lincoln
Who they're related to: Son of former San Diego Chargers great running back Keith Lincoln
What they did at Arizona: The younger Lincoln was an infielder for the Arizona baseball team in the early 1980s.
Trey and Mia Mason
Who they're related to: Former Arizona basketball player Harvey Mason, who is a songwriter and current CEO of the Recording Academy
What they did at Arizona: Trey Mason was a walk-on guard for the Wildcats under Miller. Mia Mason played beach volleyball at the UA.
Arizona senior outfielder Jasmine Perezchica hugs her teammates during Senior Day festivities last season at Hillenbrand Stadium.
Jasmine Perezchica
Who they're related to: Daughter of Tony Perezchica, a former MLB player and manager
What they did at Arizona: Jasmine Perezchica was a standout outfielder for the UA softball team and played in 170 games. She finished her UA career last year with a .358 batting average.
Shana Robertson
Who they're related to: Daughter of NBA legend Oscar Robertson
What they did at Arizona: Robertson played two seasons (1981-83) for the Arizona women's basketball program before she was dismissed by former head coach Judy LeWinter. As a sophomore, she averaged 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Former University of Arizona baseball pitcher Daniel Schlereth talks with fellow Wildcat and Diamondback third base coach Chip Hale on the first day of workouts for pitchers and catchers at the Diamondbacks minor league complex in 2009.
Daniel Schlereth
Who they're related to: Son of three-time Super Bowl champion and offensive lineman Mark Schlereth
What they did at Arizona: Daniel Schlereth, a former relief pitcher for the UA, still owns the school record for most saves by a freshman with seven. He was also a two-time All-Pac-10 selection.
J.T. Snow
Who they're related to: Son of former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jack Snow
What they did at Arizona: Before winning six Gold Glove Awards as an MLB player, J.T. Snow played three seasons at Arizona, where he was teammates with Kenny Lofton, Trevor Hoffman and Scott Erickson, among others. Snow had a .333 career batting average and a .447 on-base percentage at Arizona. He's also in the UA Sports Hall of Fame.
Arizona setter Penina Snuka (20) fruitlessly chases a wild ball that landed just out of reach in set four against Arizona State at McKale Center, Sept. 21, 2016.
Penina Snuka
Who they're related to: Granddaughter of WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka and niece of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson
What they did at Arizona: As a volleyball player for the Wildcats, Penina Snuka was the 2016 Pac-12 Setter of the Year. Her 489 sets are the most in UA volleyball history. She was inducted into the McKale Center Ring of Honor in 2018.
Salim Stoudamire, one of the University of Arizona’s greatest long-range shooters, was the first pick of the second round in the 2005 NBA draft.
Salim Stoudamire
Who they're related to: Cousin of former UA and NBA standout Damon Stoudamire, who's now the head coach of Georgia Tech
What they did at Arizona: Like Damon, Salim Stoudamire donned 20 as his jersey number. When the left-handed Stoudamire ended his Arizona career in 2005, he was the Pac-10 and Arizona leader in 3-point field goals made (342). Stoudamire's career 3-point percentage (45.8%) is second in Arizona history behind Steve Kerr.
Isaiah Taylor
Who they're related to: Son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Jason Taylor
What they did at Arizona: In three seasons at Arizona, Isaiah Taylor logged 56 tackles, one interception and three pass breakups. Taylor's one interception was in the fourth quarter of Arizona's win over Arizona State for the Territorial Cup in 2022.
Broadcaster Bill Walton congratulates his son Luke Walton after Arizona defeated Illinois 75-73 on Dec. 8, 2002, as the father-son pair spoke briefly on ESPN.
Luke Walton
Who they're related to: Son of late basketball great Bill Walton
What they did at Arizona: Luke Walton became just the third player in Pac-10 basketball history to record at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists in a career. Walton was a two-time first-team All-Pac-10 selection and was the 2002 Pac-10 Tournament MVP.
