Bronny James will enter the NBA draft after one season at Southern California that was shortened by his recovery from cardiac arrest. The 19-year-old son of LeBron James announced Friday on his Instagram account that he also plans to retain his college eligibility and will enter the transfer portal.
Quick Read
- NBA Draft Entry: Bronny James, after a single season at USC marked by his recovery from cardiac arrest, has declared for the NBA draft while keeping his college eligibility open.
- Transfer Portal Consideration: Alongside his draft entry, Bronny plans to explore options by entering the college transfer portal.
- Reflective Year: Bronny described his year at USC as a mix of challenges and growth, both personally and athletically.
- Coaching Change at USC: His announcement coincided with USC’s introduction of Eric Musselman as the new head coach, succeeding Andy Enfield.
- LeBron James’ Support: LeBron James emphasized his son’s autonomy in making his future decisions, assuring family support for whatever path Bronny chooses.
- Season Performance: In his time at USC, Bronny averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, with a shooting performance that included a 37% field goal rate.
- Family Presence: The James family, including LeBron, was a regular presence at USC games, showing strong support.
- NBA Aspirations: LeBron has openly expressed his desire to play in the NBA alongside his son.
- Agent’s Perspective: Rich Paul, representing both Bronnys, highlighted the importance of the right team and development environment over draft positioning.
- Health Challenge: Bronny’s college debut was delayed until December due to a July cardiac arrest stemming from a congenital heart defect, which has since been treated.
The Associated Press has the story:
USC’s Bronny James declares for NBA draft, enters transfer portal after 1 season
Newslooks- LOS ANGELES (AP) —
Bronny James will enter the NBA draft after one season at Southern California that was shortened by his recovery from cardiac arrest. The 19-year-old son of LeBron James announced Friday on his Instagram account that he also plans to retain his college eligibility and will enter the transfer portal.
“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” James wrote.
James posted his decision hours before USC was set to introduce Eric Musselman as its new coach. He replaces Andy Enfield, who left on Monday to become coach at SMU.
“Bronny is his own man,” the elder James said this week. “He has some tough decisions to make. When he’s ready to make those decisions, he’ll let us all know. But as his family, we’re going to support whatever he does.”
James averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while starting six of 25 games for the Trojans. He shot 37% from the field, 27% from 3-point range and 68% from the free throw line.
The elder James, his wife and their 9-year-old daughter were frequent courtside spectators at the Galen Center this season.
The 39-year-old James has been vocal about wanting to play with his son in the NBA.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who represents father and son, said recently that he doesn’t “value a young player getting into the lottery as much as I do getting him on the right team in the right developmental situation.”
James, a 6-foot-4 combo guard, didn’t make his college debut until Dec. 10. Afterward, James appeared in front of the media for less than a minute to thank the doctors, athletic trainers and support system that helped him return to play.
Despite numerous requests, James never spoke to reporters during the season.
He suffered cardiac arrest on July 20 during a workout at the Galen Center. He was found to have a congenital heart defect that was treatable.
