Bronny James, the 19-year-old son of NBA star LeBron James who played basketball for Southern California in his freshman season in 2023-24, will put his name in the NBA Draft and enter the NCAA transfer portal while maintaining his college eligibility.
“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” Bronny wrote in an Instagram post. “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.”
He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists and shot 36.6% from the field and 26.7% on 3-pointers in 25 games. James sustained a life-threatening sudden cardiac arrest in July while working out on the USC campus. He was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and cleared to return to full basketball activities in late November.
Head coach Andy Enfield just left the Trojans for the same job at SMU, and Southern California hired Arkansas’ Eric Musselman as his replacement.
Earlier this week, LeBron James said, “Bronny’s his own man, and 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.”
FOLLOW THE MADNESS: NCAA basketball bracket, scores, schedules, teams and more.
What is Bronny James’ NBA Draft projection?
Today, James is not a projected first-round pick in most NBA mock drafts. Before his sudden cardiac arrest, James’ improvement over his senior season of high school had him moving up mock draft boards and into the first round.
If he keeps his name in the draft, he will get a look from teams in the second round but it’s also possible he does not get selected, giving him the option of signing with the team of his choice as an undrafted free agent.
Where could Bronny James play college basketball next season?
Several schools recruited James when he was in high school, including Southern California, Memphis and Ohio State, all of which offered him a scholarship, according to 24/7.
LeBron James is a huge Ohio State fan and the family has attended several Buckeye football games, and when Ohio State removed the interim tag and made Jake Diebler the full-time head coach, LeBron posted on social media, “CONGRATS DIEBS!!!!” Diebler was involved in recruiting Bronny.
Also, LeBron’s close friend, Dru Joyce III just became the head coach at Duquesne. Joyce and James played high school basketball together, and James made the announcement last week that Joyce moved from associated head coach to head coach for the Dukes.
“As the unquestioned source I am confirming that Dru Joyce is the new HC at Duquesne University and is meeting with the team right now!’ James posted on X. ‘So damn happy and proud of you my brother!’
Oregon also recruited James.
When is the deadline to withdraw from the NBA Draft?
Players who want to keep their college eligibility must withdraw their name from the draft list by May 29, per NCAA rules.