Jeff BorzelloESPN Writer3 minute read
Bronny James puts on a show at the Powerade JamFest dunk contest
Bronny James throws a trio of impressive slams in the Powerade JamFest dunk contest to come in second place.
Four-star guard Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, announced his commitment to USC on Saturday.
Bronny James made the announcement on Instagram.
A 6-foot-3 Cleveland guard who attended Sierra Canyon School (California), James is considered one of the top five point guards in the nation. He was ranked No. 19 on the ESPN 100 prospect for the Class of 2023 and earned McDonald’s All American honors this season.
James averaged 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Strive For Greatness program on the Nike EYBL Tour last spring and summer, then followed that up with standout performances in games high level during the high school season. James had 13 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 steals in the Hoophall Classic against Christopher Columbus (Florida), shooting 3 for 8 from 3-pointers.
He had 15 points and four assists, making five 3-pointers, in the McDonald’s All American Game, then had 11 points at the Nike Hoop Summit.
In ESPN’s 2024 mock NBA draft, James is projected as the No. 10 pick — ESPN’s Jonathan Givony citing his ability as “arguably the best perimeter defender in his high school class” as his greatest asset.
James chose the Trojans over Oregon and Ohio State after a long and mysterious recruiting process. Throughout his high school career, there was very little concrete information about the schools involved and where he might end up in college. There was even a period when going the professional route for a year before entering the NBA draft seemed like an option.
He finally broke his silence last month at the Nike Hoop Summit, speaking publicly about his recruiting process for the first time – without giving any clues.
“Talking to them, talking to the coaches, it’s good to know that they want me to be with them,” James said in response to a question about All-Star Game teammates recruiting him from some schools. “But in the end it’s my decision and I have to make the right one for me.”
James will now adjust to Andy Enfield and the Trojans, joining a top-25 pre-season squad and one of the best backcourts in the country. USC is expected to bring back all-conference guard Boogie Ellis, the team’s leading scorer with 17.7 points per game, while he also has elite point guard Isaiah Collier, the nation’s No. 1 high schooler. .
James is one of the best jump shooters in the class, especially off the catch, and his defense, facilitation and basketball IQ at both ends of the court will give USC two-way production. James is expected to play mostly off the ball at USC and be a second or third ball handler when needed.
— ESPN’s Paul Biancardi contributed to this report.
