Bronny James, After Just One Year of College Basketball, Declares His Intent to Enter the 2024 NBA Draft: ‘Constantly Grateful’

Bronny James will be an NBA Draft pick in 2024!

Bronny James #6 of the USC Trojans greets his dad, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Galen Center on January 06, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Despite speculation about whether or not he will return to USC for his freshman year, the player confirmed on Instagram Friday that he is prepared to play at the professional level.

As a guy, student, and athlete, I’ve experienced a year with some ups and downs but all added progress,” wrote 19-year-old James of his first year in college. I’ve decided to enter the NBA Draft and keep my collegiate eligibility, and I’ll also be transferring to another school through the NCAA’s portal.

USC basketball player Bronny James jokes around on the sidelines during a game between the San Jose State Spartans and the USC Trojans on August 26, 2023

“I am incredibly grateful to USC for an incredible freshman year, and I am deeply thankful to my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers, and fans for their unwavering support,” James continued.After months of speculation, the basketball star has finally decided what to do next. Not only that, but it occurs right after USC’s Andy Enfield resigned as head coach after a disappointing 15–18 season, accepting a position with SMU in the ACC.

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U.S.C. announced Thursday that Eric Musselman, formerly of Arkansas, had been hired as head coach.After receiving the all-clear signal after suffering a heart arrest in July of last year, James returned to the squad a few games into the season. He played 19 minutes per game in his freshman year of college and averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, according ESPN.

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The objective is to place Bronny in “the right developmental situation,” according to James’ agent Rich Paul, who also represents his dad, LeBron, who spoke with ESPN last month.

“I don’t value a young player getting into the lottery as much as I do getting him on the right team in the right developmental situation,” Paul told reporters at the time.Bronny can count on his dad’s support no matter what path he takes with his talents.

Regаrding Brоnny’s drаught stаtus, LeBrоn stаted, “It’s up tо him,” аt the Februаry NBа аll-Stаr Gаme Weekend. Let the child decide. Withоut а dоubt, we will cоmplete the entire prоcedure. аfter we cоnsider аll оf оur аlternаtives, we will give the child the finаl sаy.Plus, LeBron has expressed his desire to remain a league player until he can team up with Bronny.

“My last year will be played with my son,” LeBron announced to the Athletic in 2022. I will be at Bronny’s side at all times. In order to spend a year playing with my son, I would be willing to do anything. At that point, it’s irrelevant to the money.