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USC freshman guard Bronny James declared entering the 2024 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility as well as entering the transfer portal. Bronny, son of the NBA icon LeBron James earned McDonald’s All-American honours in high school and was expected to make a huge impact on USC. However, the youngster suffered a heart attack during one of the training sessions, which kept him out of action for five months. He missed the first eight games of the season and played on minute restriction in his debut game.
In his first game of his college career against Long Beach State, Bronny scored four points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 16 minutes. After having suffered cardiac arrest and undergoing a heart procedure, James will be required to undergo an evaluation and need approval by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel before he can become eligible to participate in the team’s workouts.
Bronny took to Instagram to announce his decision by stating, “I have had a year with some ups and downs but all add to growth for me as a man, student, and athlete. I have made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal. Thank you to USC for an amazing Freshman year, and as always thankful for my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers, and fans for their support.”
James played high school basketball at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, Los Angeles (CA). In the 2023 cycle, he was the no. 25 overall recruit as the number 6-point guard. ESPN quoted James’ agent Rich Paul as saying, "I don'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."
