Bronny James lastly took the courtroom for his much-anticipated first recreation with the USC Trojans on Sunday after struggling a cardiac arrest in July.
James performed off the bench and logged 16 minutes in an 84-79 extra time loss to Lengthy Seashore State. He had 4 factors, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one spotlight chasedown block.
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His lone made subject objective in three makes an attempt was a 3-pointer, and he break up a pair of free throws.
Bronny James skilled a cardiac arrest whereas figuring out on the Galen Heart on July 20. Subsequent examinations revealed a treatable congenital coronary heart defect.
Not too long ago, his docs and USC’s medical staff gave him the inexperienced mild to have interaction in full-contact observe, marking a major development from his earlier restrictions to solo exercises encompassing weights, cardio and taking pictures.
Bronny’s collegiate debut drew reactions from NBA stars, together with Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant.
Wade, considered one of LeBron James’ greatest pals, tweeted that Bronny’s debut gave him chills.
“Watching Bronny stroll out on that courtroom gave me chills… Welcome again to the sport you like Bronny,” Wade posted.
Durant, in the meantime, gave Bronny a easy shoutout.
LeBron; members of the James household, together with Bryce James, a four-star ahead in ESPN’s 2025 recruiting class; and LA Lakers basic supervisor Rob Pelinka had been amongst these current to witness Bronny’s USC debut.
Is Bronny James first-round choose materials?
Earlier than Bronny James suffered the well being setback in July, he had been labeled a mid-to-late first-round choose within the 2024 NBA draft by Sports activities Illustrated’s Draft Digest.
“He makes good performs, has good imaginative and prescient and pure really feel,” the profile reads. “Defensively, James offers extra effort than most his age. He not often takes performs off and understands easy methods to defend varied gamers primarily based on their strengths and weaknesses.”
In line with a latest report by Jeff Goodman from The Messenger, Bronny has the prospect to be chosen late within the first spherical of this yr’s draft regardless of his well being woes.
“The hope is that Bronny can keep wholesome and impression USC for the rest of the season,” Goodman wrote. “The NBA execs I’ve spoken to have been intrigued by Bronny’s recreation and growth, however most slotted him as a late first-rounder in a weak NBA draft. That was additionally previous to the center points.”
Nevertheless, there are additionally reservations amongst different scouts.
“He’s an excellent defender. Robust, athletic, good ball-mover, some potential as a shooter,” one scout stated. “Restricted potential to create his personal shot. I don’t see him as a lottery choose or possibly even a first-rounder.”
Goodman’s report included a quote from an NBA government who stated Bronny ought to keep in school for one more yr.
“Personally, I feel he ought to keep in school greater than a yr,” stated the high-ranking NBA government. “He wants extra time, particularly after what he simply went via.”
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Edited by Joseph Schiefelbein