Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has announced his decision to enter the NBA draft after completing one season at the University of Southern California. The 19-year-old's college career was cut short due to his recovery from cardiac arrest, which occurred during a workout at the Galen Center.
In a statement posted on his Instagram account, James expressed gratitude for the growth he experienced during his time at USC, both as a student and athlete. He also revealed his intention to retain his college eligibility and enter the transfer portal.
James, a 6-foot-4 combo guard, started six of 25 games for the Trojans, averaging 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Despite his limited playing time, he received support from his family, including his father LeBron James, who has been vocal about his desire to play alongside his son in the NBA.
Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and representative for both father and son, emphasized the importance of finding the right developmental situation for Bronny rather than focusing solely on getting into the NBA draft lottery.
Throughout the season, James refrained from speaking to the media, only briefly addressing them after making his college debut in December. He expressed gratitude towards the medical professionals and support system that aided in his recovery from the cardiac event.
As Bronny James prepares to take the next step in his basketball career, his decision to enter the NBA draft and retain his college eligibility reflects his commitment to furthering his development as a player. With the support of his family and representation, he will navigate the transition to a professional basketball career with careful consideration.