High school basketball’s most recognizable name, Bronny James, son of Lakers star LeBron James, made his long-awaited college decision on Saturday.
The Sierra Canyon guard announced on Instagram that he’ll stay close to home and join the USC Trojans this season.
James is the 19th-ranked recruit for the class of 2023, per ESPN’s Top 100, and was the highest-rated prospect still undecided.
As a senior, James averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals per game. He was named a McDonald’s All-American and earned a spot on the 2023 USA Nike Hoops Summit Team.
USC landed James after he considered Ohio State and Oregon, the NBA G League, and Australia’s NBL. James’ recruiting process was relatively quiet, with coaches reportedly having trouble contacting his family. Ohio State was the only school he visited.
With James’ commitment, the Trojans’ 2023 recruiting class has climbed to No. 3 in Rivals’ team rankings. HC Andy Enfield’s haul includes two other recruits, four-star Arrinten Page and the top-ranked prospect in the country, Isaiah Collier, who was pushing for James to sign with USC.
There’s no guarantee James will earn a spot in the starting lineup during his freshman year. Collier and fifth-year senior Boogie Ellis will make up the Trojans’ backcourt. Though with his two-way skill set, James could coincide with the guards in a small ball lineup.
Nevertheless, James’ playing time won’t impact how much he’ll earn through endorsements.
According to On3.com, James enters USC with the highest name, image and likeness valuation among college athletes ($7.4M). His NIL deals include Beats by Dre, PSD Underwear and Nike, the manufacturer of the school’s gear.
James will be draft eligible in 2024, and ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony projected him to be the 10th overall pick in a mock draft published in February.
Considering James’ father’s desire to play alongside him in the past, if the 18-year-old declares for next year’s NBA Draft, there’s a realistic chance that the two could team up.
The elder James has a player option in his contract with Los Angeles for the 2024-25 season, so he’d be free to sign with whichever team drafts his son.
