How did Bronny James perform in his USC Trojans debut? Stats & more explored

Bronny James lastly took the courtroom for his much-anticipated first sport with the USC Trojans on Sunday after struggling a cardiac arrest in July.

James performed off the bench and logged 16 minutes in an 84-79 additional time loss to Long Beach State. He had 4 factors, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one spotlight chasedown block.

His lone made subject purpose in three makes an attempt was a 3-pointer, and he cut up a pair of free throws.

Bronny James skilled a cardiac arrest whereas figuring out on the Galen Center on July 20. Subsequent examinations revealed a treatable congenital coronary heart defect.

Recently, his docs and USC’s medical group gave him the inexperienced gentle to have interaction in full-contact follow, marking a major development from his earlier restrictions to solo exercises encompassing weights, cardio and capturing.

Bronny’s collegiate debut drew reactions from NBA stars, together with Dwyane Wade and Kevin Durant.

Wade, one in all LeBron James’ finest pals, tweeted that Bronny’s debut gave him chills.

“Watching Bronny walk out on that court gave me chills… Welcome back to the game you love Bronny,” Wade posted.

Durant, in the meantime, gave Bronny a easy shoutout.

LeBron; members of the James household, together with Bryce James, a four-star ahead in ESPN’s 2025 recruiting class; and LA Lakers basic supervisor Rob Pelinka have been amongst these current to witness Bronny’s USC debut.

Is Bronny James first-round choose materials?

Before Bronny James suffered the well being setback in July, he had been labeled a mid-to-late first-round choose in the 2024 NBA draft by Sports Illustrated’s Draft Digest.

“He makes smart plays, has good vision and natural feel,” the profile reads. “Defensively, James gives more effort than most his age. He rarely takes plays off and understands how to defend various players based on their strengths and weaknesses.”

According to a latest report by Jeff Goodman from The Messenger, Bronny has the prospect to be chosen late in the primary spherical of this 12 months’s draft regardless of his well being woes.

“The hope is that Bronny can stay healthy and impact USC for the remainder of the season,” Goodman wrote. “The NBA execs I’ve spoken to have been intrigued by Bronny’s game and development, but most slotted him as a late first-rounder in a weak NBA draft. That was also prior to the heart issues.”

However, there are additionally reservations amongst different scouts.

“He’s a very good defender. Strong, athletic, good ball-mover, some potential as a shooter,” one scout stated. “Limited ability to create his own shot. I don’t see him as a lottery pick or maybe even a first-rounder.”

Goodman’s report included a quote from an NBA government who stated Bronny ought to keep in school for an additional 12 months.

“Personally, I think he should stay in college more than a year,” stated the high-ranking NBA government. “He needs more time, especially after what he just went through.”