When the USC Trojans face off against Kansas State in Las Vegas on Monday for their season opener, they’ll be doing so without star freshman guard Bronny James.
The son of NBA legend LeBron James, Bronny won’t be hitting the court after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a preseason workout on July 24, according to USC.
The school later confirmed that Bronny had a congenital heart defect, leading to his absence from practice and the preseason overseas trip to Greece and Croatia.
Although he’s still undergoing rehab, there’s no definite timeline for his return to the basketball court. However, physicians are optimistic about his full recovery following successful surgery.
Bronny is in his way back, albeit slower than expected
LeBron James stated during Lakers Media Day on October 2 that Bronny is making excellent progress and has started his rehab process.
He expressed hope that his son would return to play with USC during the season. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, the James family remains united and determined to support Bronny’s recovery.
Bronny James was expected to be a key contributor for the Trojans and had garnered significant attention due to his basketball pedigree. His absence is a significant setback for USC, as he was viewed as a potential lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
A step-by-step approach on Bronny’s reintegration
USC’s schedule allows for gradual reintegration for the younger James, with just one Top 25 nonconference opponent (Gonzaga on Dec. 2) before Pac-12 conference play begins in early 2024.
While USC boasts a talented roster without Bronny, his return is eagerly anticipated to maximize the team’s potential this season.
James, a former four-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American from Sierra Canyon High School, played a crucial role in USC’s impressive No. 3 finish in the 2023 team rankings.
Bronny has had tremendous support from his family, the USC community, and fans during his recovery journey.
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