As the 2023-24 college basketball season approaches, one of the most highly anticipated freshmen in recent memory is preparing to take the floor in USC guard Bronny James.
The son of NBA superstar LeBron James, Bronny was a four-star prospect coming out of the Sierra Canyon School in Los Angeles. The McDonald’s High School All-American opted to commit to nearby USC, choosing the Trojans over Ohio State and Oregon.
As the younger James celebrated his 19th birthday on Oct. 6, the USC men’s basketball program took to social media to share a first glimpse of the 6-foot-4 shooting guard in his new Trojans uniform.
Wishing Bronny James a Happy Birthday! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/znwvdehYYI
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) October 6, 2023
Earlier this year, James made headlines when he suffered cardiac arrest during a practice at his new school over the summer. At the Los Angeles Lakers’ media day last month, James’ father provided an update on his eldest child, stating that Bronny — who had suffered from a Congenital Heart Defect — planned to play for the Trojans during his upcoming freshman season.
“Bronny is doing extremely well,” the fourt-time NBA MVP said. “He has begun his rehab process to get back on the floor this season with his teammates at USC. (With) the successful surgery that he had, he’s on the up-and-up. It’s definitely a whirlwind, a lot of emotions for our family this summer. But the best thing we have is each other.”
The 19-year-old James is a part of a loaded USC roster that also includes 247Sports.com‘s No. 2 prospect in five-star guard Isaiah Collier and returning senior guard Boogie Ellis. The Trojans project as a likely preseason top 25 team, with James and Collier both possessing the potential to be first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The USC men’s basketball team will open its 2023-24 season on November 6 against Kansas State in the Hall of Fame Series in Las Vegas.
