As Bronny James continues to put his college career on hold due to health concerns, USC coach Andy Enfield provided an update on the highly anticipated freshman following the team’s inaugural practice.
James, the 18-year-old son of Lakers icon LeBron James, has not yet returned to on-court activities after experiencing a cardiac arrest during a workout on July 24.
With James still in the process of recovery and absent during Monday’s practice, Coach Enfield conveyed that the four-star guard is in a positive state, although he refrained from providing specific medical details.
“Bronny’s doing very well,” Enfield said, per ESPN. “But we just can’t comment on anything medically. He’s going to class and doing extremely well in school, and we’re really excited for him.”
Regarding James’s presence within the Trojans, Coach Enfield mentioned that “he’s with us whenever possible.” He reiterated that James is “progressing very positively” and described the McDonald’s All-American as a “genuine student-athlete.”
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Although Coach Enfield’s comments did not shed light on a potential return date, it’s evident that USC is committed to a thorough and patient approach as James continues his recovery.
Following James’s hospital release on July 27, a spokesperson for the James family announced on August 26 that the incident was likely attributable to a congenital heart condition. The statement further expressed the doctors’ high confidence in James’s complete recovery, with a return to basketball anticipated “in the very near future.”
As USC prepares for its season opener against Kansas State on November 6, it will do so without James in the lineup. Nonetheless, Coach Enfield expressed optimism about integrating James into the team’s offense once he receives medical clearance.
“We anticipate him being a very valuable part of our basketball team,” Enfield said. “But that’ll be all sorted out. He’s the ultimate teammate because he cares about winning, and he has such a personal relationship with all his teammates. When you watch him on the court and you’re around them, that’s the first thing you notice within five or 10 minutes — and it’s contagious.
“So that’s why we’ll miss that here until he gets back. But he’s certainly a big part of our team.”
