Written By: Kaya Crawford
Editor: Sarah Wingo
While LeBron James makes headlines as he and the LA Lakers advance to the Western Conference Finals, his son also made headlines earlier this month after announcing on his Instagram that he will be staying in California to play college basketball at USC. A four-star guard and ranked as a number 19 prospect for the class of 2023, James has been regarded as a Top 5 guard in his class and was sought after by many colleges, including Oregon and Ohio State. His decision to go to USC will place him on a preseason Top 25 team playing under Andy Enfield.
James has had an impressive high school career at Sierra Canyon School in California. In the McDonald’s All-American Game, he made five three-pointers for 15 points and had four assists, while also making 11 points in the Nike Hoop Summit. He is considered one of the best jump shooters in his class and has strong defensive skills that will allow him to make moves on both ends of the court.
Throughout the decision process, LeBron has only expressed support for his son. Not only is he excited to see his son play college ball, but he has also mentioned that Bronny will be the first in his family to attend college. LeBron, who was drafted straight out of high school never had the opportunity to attend college, and neither did his wife. After Game 3 against the Golden State Warriors, LeBron mentioned in an interview with CBS Sports that he is extremely proud and excited for his son’s future in basketball. He has expressed that he would love to play in the NBA with his son and recognizes that he must keep his mind and body sharp. However, he finds it most important to support his son as he makes his collegiate basketball debut and hopefully continues onto the NBA.
In the Fall when Bronny makes his college basketball debut in a Trojans jersey, he will be joining one of the best backcourts in the nation. Coach Andy Enfield believes Bronny will be a strong addition to the team, but has not promised a starting position, despite there being an opportunity for James to see the court as USC does not have many guards. Even with the scrutiny of being the son of an NBA All-Star, Bronny has remained humble and Enfield has mentioned there has been nothing but support from the James family. Even with LeBron playing just miles away, Enfield has not felt any pressure from the NBA star and believes he and Bronny will be able to handle any pressure that comes from the media when Bronny makes his collegiate debut in the Fall.
Not only will Bronny be on a Top 25 team this Fall, but he will also be making James family history as a first-generation student. Bronny is projected to be a Top 10 draft pick should he choose to enter the NBA Draft in 2024. For now, we are excited to watch the guard play for USC when the college basketball season kicks off in November.
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