Bronny James declares for NBA draft, keeps college transfer options open

Bronny James will enter the NBA draft after one season at Southern California that was shortened by his restoration from cardiac arrest.

The 19-year-old son of LeBron James introduced Friday on his Instagram account that he additionally plans to retain his faculty eligibility and can enter the switch portal.

“I’ve had a 12 months with some ups and downs however all added to development for me as a person, scholar and athlete,” James wrote.

James posted his resolution hours earlier than USC launched Eric Musselman as its new coach. He comes from Arkansas and replaces Andy Enfield, who left on Monday to develop into coach at SMU.

Musselman is scrambling to assemble a training employees and assess a roster that has additionally misplaced junior Kobe Johnson, who stated Thursday that he is dedicated to crosstown rival UCLA. USC star freshman Isaiah Collier attended Musselman’s information convention.

“I must attempt to come up with Bronny. I’ve texted him,” Musselman stated after his campus information convention. “Actually he is obtained a whole lot of choices and we respect these choices. We simply need him to know that, hey, this chance right here, if you wish to play at USC, we would like to have him. Such a gifted younger man.”

James averaged 4.8 factors and a pair of.8 rebounds whereas beginning six of 25 video games for the Trojans. He shot 37 per cent from the sector, 27 per cent from 3-point vary and 68 per cent from the free throw line.

The elder James, his spouse and their 9-year-old daughter had been frequent courtside spectators on the Galen Middle this season.

The 39-year-old James has been vocal about eager to play together with his son within the NBA.

Klutch Sports activities CEO Wealthy Paul, who represents father and son, stated lately that he would not “worth a younger participant stepping into the lottery as a lot as I do getting him on the suitable crew in the suitable developmental scenario.”

James, a six-foot-four combo guard, did not make his faculty debut till Dec. 10. Afterward, James appeared in entrance of the media for lower than a minute to thank the medical doctors, athletic trainers and assist system that helped him return to play.

Regardless of quite a few requests, James by no means spoke to reporters in the course of the season.

He suffered cardiac arrest on July 20 throughout a exercise on the Galen Middle. He was discovered to have a congenital coronary heart defect that was treatable.