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Bronny James was one of the top freshmen in the nation prior to the 2023-24 college basketball season with USC.
But a terrifying incident where he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest cut the legs out from under him before he could even take the court for his first game.
Now, as James prepares for the NBA Draft, he says that concern over his heart condition hasn’t gone away.
“It’s still lingering. My parents were a big factor of believing in me and giving me the love and affection that I needed at that time. I still think about everything that could happen but I just love the game so much it just overpowers everything,” James told Yahoo Sports. “I was set back but that’s not an excuse. I’ve put in so many years of work and I don’t want anyone to think that because I had this issue that I’m lower than everyone else.”
James did eventually return to the court for the Trojans. But he never quite looked like his best self.
He averaged just 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists on 26.7 percent shooting from beyond the arc over 25 games.
Bronny James Is Staying In NBA Draft Despite Heart Condition Causing Stock To Drop
Even despite the struggles, he opted to throw his name into the NBA Draft. Teams still consider him a candidate to go in the second round.
While many fans believe that’s down to his bloodline as the son of LeBron James, Bronny shot down that notion.
“Honestly, I feel like this is a serious business. I don’t think there would be a thought of, ‘I’m just drafting this kid because I’m going to get his dad.’ I don’t think a GM would really allow that,” he said. “I think I’ve put in the work and if I get drafted it will be because of not only the player but also the person I am.”
Whether or not that’s the case, James appears destined for an NBA roster sooner or later. What happens next, only he can control.