With the 2023/24 college basketball season quickly approaching, Bronny James, Caleb Williams and USC took to the court on Thursday night for HoopLA, the annual tipoff event in Los Angeles. Neither James nor Williams were active participants in the evening, but they each played an important role.
The Trojans won 22 games last season before losing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row. They will hope to go deeper into March Madness in the 11th year of head coach Andy Enfield’s tenure.
This could be one of his most talented teams. Leading scorer Boogie Ellis returned for another year, Kobe Johnson and Joshua Morgan are back, Vince Iwuchukwu is expected to be healthy, Dennis Rodman’s son D.J. transferred south from Washington State, and a pair of top recruits join the roster in Isaiah Collier and Bronny James.
However, it is unclear as to when James might be able to join the team in an unrestricted capacity after suffering from cardiac arrest during offseason workouts. His father said that the plan is for his eldest son to play this season. He did not specify when that could happen.
Although James did not participate in the exhibition, he was introduced to the Trojan family for the first time on Wednesday. The crowd went absolutely bonkers for their new superstar, who carries with him a notable last name.
Only one man received an even greater reception— the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Caleb Williams was not only in attendance at HoopLA, he was a crucial part of the finale.
6-foot-8, 215-pound forward Brandon Gardner, a three-star freshman, dunked over USC’s starting quarterback. It made for a masterpiece!
Fortunately, Gardner got up and over Williams with ease. Things could have gone really poorly if he was unable to clear the presumptive No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick come April.
The Trojans crowd held their breath at first until the dunk was complete. At that point, the fans and the players on the court lost their collective mind.
It was a big night at the Galen Center. College basketball is back!