Bronny James, the freshman guard for USC, announced on Friday via Instagram that he intends to enter the 2024 NBA draft while retaining his college eligibility. Additionally, he revealed his decision to enter the transfer portal.
Expected to make a significant impact at USC after earning McDonald’s All-American honors in high school, James faced setbacks due to a cardiac arrest episode in July and subsequent treatment for a congenital heart defect. These health issues sidelined him for five months and hindered his productivity during his freshman season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19 minutes per game.
The departure of USC coach Andy Enfield for SMU and the hiring of Eric Musselman from Arkansas prompted James to explore new opportunities.
Following the cardiac episode and heart procedure, James must undergo evaluation and approval by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel before participating in team activities, including workouts, the Draft Combine in May, or being drafted. However, he can engage in interviews with teams without medical clearance.
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Under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, players invited to the Chicago draft combine are required to participate in scouting events and undergo a physical examination.
James’s pre-draft strategy involves meeting with targeted teams for workouts and interviews before the June 16 deadline to remain in the draft. His agent, Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports, prioritizes finding the right developmental situation over securing a high draft position.
Notably, Bronny James’s decision will not be influenced by any expectation to play on the same team as his father, LeBron James.
If James chooses to return to college and transfer, sources indicate that Duquesne is a top contender. Duquesne’s new coach, Dru Joyce, a former high school teammate of LeBron James and longtime family friend, is expected to factor into James’s decision. Joyce recently assumed the head coaching position after Keith Dambrot’s retirement, following a successful tenure at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s in Akron, Ohio, where he coached both James and Joyce.
Bronny James was previously ranked in the top 15 of the 2024 NBA Draft class by ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony during his time at Sierra Canyon High School.