Tommy Lloyd comments on decision to bench Bryce James in Arizona’s win over Auburn

Tommy Lloyd made a change to the Arizona Wildcats starting lineup on Friday night against Auburn, but it didn’t change the level of contribution from his second unit – which continues to be limited three games into the season.

76 of the 80 points Arizona put up in the win against the Tigers were scored by the starting five of Mo Krivas, Ivan Kharchenkov, Caleb Holt, Derek Dixon, and now JJ Mandaquit, who replaced Bryce James after the sophomore started the first three games.

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James did not play at all against Auburn, with Lloyd electing to play just three subs: Forward Maxsim Brnovic, freshman guard Cameron Holmes, and center Evan Otten.

No Bryce after three starts

Nov 5, 2026; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Bryce James (6) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Cal Poly Mustangs at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Coach Lloyd was asked about the decision to not call on James in this one, after he started all three of Arizona’s regular season, and exhibition, games dating back to mid October.

“Bryce and I had a great conversation,” Lloyd said. “I wish I would have got him in the game. It just got tight there and we got the lead, it’s just one of those things when you get the lead playing a certain way, sometimes it’s hard to thrust a guy into that moment when he hasn’t been on the court much.”

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James is averaging 2.7 points, 1.7 assists, and 1.3 steals in 12 minutes per game for the Wildcats, shooting 3-11 from the field and 2-7 from three.

Now he’s been relegated not only to a non-starting role, but what looks like not quite an everyday role, with a tight 8-man rotation getting Arizona to a win over Auburn – despite virtually no help offensively from the second unit.

Starters shouldering the load

Nov 13, 2026; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers guard George Kimble III (3) pressures Arizona Wildcats forward Maksim Brnovic (35) during the first half at Neville Arena. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Arizona…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/tommy-lloyd-comments-decision-bench-055601330.html

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Publish date : 2026-11-14 05:56:00

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