Beth Harris Associated Press
LOS ANGELES — Bronny James showed off his defensive skills in his college debut at Southern California nearly five months after suffering cardiac arrest and expressed gratitude to the doctors and family who supported him.
He had four points, three rebounds and two assists on Sunday, coming off the bench opposite his superstar father, LeBron James.
“I just want to say I’m grateful for everything,” Bronny James said afterward in brief remarks to a crowd of media. He thanked the Mayo Clinic Hospital, where he received treatment, as well as his parents, siblings, coach Andy Enfield and his teammates “during this difficult time in my life.”
He left without taking any questions.
The Trojans lost in overtime to Long Beach State, 84-79. James went out with his exhausted teammates and did not greet his father, who sat courtside.
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James logged 16 minutes, including starting the five-minute overtime session, but was not a factor in that time before exiting for the final time. He was a 1-from-3 shooter and hit a 3-pointer in the second half.
His biggest impression came on defence. All of James’ rebounds were on the defensive glass and he made two steals.
“I thought Bronny played well,” Enfield said. “He defended at a high level. He guarded the other team’s fast bowlers well.”
James was quick to pass the ball to his teammates, even when it looked like he could have shot.
Enfield said James’ record will continue to be monitored by USC medical staff.
He played six minutes in the first half, when the Trojans led 45-30 at halftime. In his second three-minute period, James made a big save on Jadon Jones, who was driving to the basket with a quick jump shot, angering the crowd.
James was aided in the dunk by Vincent Ewochukwu, who also suffered a cardiac arrest as a freshman. He returned to play 14 games last season.
“It’s great to see Bronny out there. He’s put in a lot of work in the gym,” Iwochukwu said. “We talked before the game and I told him to go out there and have fun.”
James entered the game for the first time after about seven minutes, and some in the crowd were standing and cheering. He missed his first shot, a three-point attempt. Moments ago, he knocked the ball away from a Long Beach State player, but the visitors recovered it. The possession ended with a Beach shot clock violation. James also grabbed a rebound.
“He makes the right plays all the time,” USC senior guard Boogie Ellis said. “Everyone wants a player like this in their team. He defends well at the highest level.”
LeBron James arrived seconds before the national anthem, holding the hand of his 9-year-old daughter, Zuri, and patting his son’s butt as he passed the Trojans who were lined up across the court for the anthem.
“It was exciting for everyone to see him there, and I’m sure his family was the most excited,” Enfield said.
The NBA was well represented in the game. One of James’s teammates is DJ Rodman, son of Dennis Rodman, who fouled out. The Beach’s roster includes Chayce Polynice, the son of 15-year NBA veteran Olden Polynice.
James joined his teammates for a warm-up on the pitch 90 minutes before tip-off. Dressed in a white USC T-shirt and red sweatpants, he wore an assortment of jackets under the watchful lenses of a main line full of photographers.
Students lined up around one side of the Galen Center and on an adjacent street waiting to get inside. Although there were pockets of empty seats in the 10,258-seat arena, James’ debut helped the Trojans draw their largest crowd of 9,806 this season.
James suffered a cardiac arrest on July 20 while working out at the Galen Center. It turns out that he suffers from a congenital heart defect that can be treated.
James recently received approval from his doctors and the USC medical staff to participate in full-contact practice. Previously, he limited himself to exercising alone, such as weightlifting, cardio and archery.
Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, made his highly anticipated college debut for Sierra Canyon in a tough loss to Southern Cal. The young athlete displayed a combination of skill, hustle, and determination on the court, earning respect and admiration from fans and teammates alike. Despite the outcome of the game, Bronny remained grateful for the opportunity to step onto the college stage and showcase his talents at the next level. With a bright future ahead, Bronny’s college debut marks just the beginning of an exciting journey in the world of basketball.