Bronny James lastly took the courtroom for his much-anticipated first recreation 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 Lengthy Seashore State. He had 4 factors, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one spotlight chasedown block.

His lone made discipline aim 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 understanding on the Galen Middle on July 20. Subsequent examinations revealed a treatable congenital coronary heart defect.

Lately, his medical doctors and USC’s medical workforce gave him the inexperienced mild to have interaction in full-contact apply, 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, considered one of 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 decide materials?

Earlier than Bronny James suffered the well being setback in July, he had been labeled a mid-to-late first-round decide within the 2024 NBA draft by Sports activities 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.”

In accordance with a current report by Jeff Goodman from The Messenger, Bronny has the possibility to be chosen late within the first 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.”

Nevertheless, 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 mentioned. “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 govt who mentioned Bronny ought to keep in faculty for one more 12 months.

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