- 19-year-old guard unlikely to return to USC Trojans this summer
- He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games last season.
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Bronny James has revealed that the cardiac arrest he suffered in July still “lingers” in his mind as he pursues his dream of turning professional at the NBA Draft Combine, although he insists he is not desperate to play for his legendary father.
The 19-year-old, who is unlikely to return to the USC Trojans this summer, said the possibility of him not being able to play again was discussed with his mom and dad after his health scare.
“I feel like my parents were a big factor in believing in me and giving me the love and affection that I needed at that time,” James said. ‘I still think about everything that could happen. “I love the game so much that he masters it.”
James missed the first month of the season but averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games for the Trojans.
“It’s a great thing that happened to me, in terms of being grateful for everything,” James said of his time away from the game and his return. ‘I worked hard and things like that to come back, so I feel like I’ve earned the opportunity. “I am very grateful for everything they have given me.”
Bronny James ‘grateful’ to be at NBA Draft Combine after previous health issues
The 19-year-old played in a scrimmage on Tuesday after participating in drills the previous day.
James played in a scrimmage on Tuesday after participating in drills the previous day, when he measured his vertical jump at 40 1/2 inches and his height, without shoes, at 6 feet 1 1/2 despite being listed on the Southern California list. like 6-4. He also answered questions from reporters, something he didn’t do last season.
Bronny James, son of NBA scoring leader LeBron James, was one of the nation’s top prospects when he decided to stay close to home and committed to USC last May from Sierra Canyon School in nearby Chatsworth. But last summer things took an unexpected turn.
James went into cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart defect during basketball practice at USC in late July and required surgery. He was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and later treated by doctors at the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health-Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey.
Bronny has until the end of May to decide if he wants to turn pro or play one more year in college.
He achieved the third best vertical jump, which was measured at 40 1/2 inches and his height
“It was a difficult time, for sure,” he said. ‘All this work I did really turned me into someone who would never give up. It was worth it because I worked hard after that situation and I’m back to where I want to be.”
James, who has until the end of this month to decide whether he wants to turn pro or play at least one more year in college, said his goal is to make it to the NBA, not necessarily play on the same team as LeBron.
“My dream has always been to get my name out there, make a name for myself and, of course, make it to the NBA,” he said. “I never thought about playing with my dad. But of course he mentioned it a couple of times.
Bronny dismissed the idea that a team might draft him as a way to appeal to his father.
“This is a serious matter,” he said. “I don’t feel like there’s a thought of ‘I’m just recruiting this guy just because I’m going to get his dad.'” I don’t think a GM would really allow that. I think I have made an effort and I will be selected not only for the player but for the person I am.’