USC guard Bronny James announced Friday that he will enter the NBA draft (while maintaining his college eligibility) and simultaneously put his name in the NCAA transfer portal.
Adrian Wojnarowski, who noted the school's relationship with James' father, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, said that if Duquesne remained at the university, “he would be expected to be one of the top considerations.” It is said that
“Duquesne's new coach, Drew Joyce, is a high school teammate of LeBron's and a longtime friend of the James family. After Keith Dambro retired after winning the Atlantic 10 and making it to the NCAA Tournament, Joyce became the head coach. He was promoted to coach. Dambro was the best player.'' James and Joyce school coach at St. Vincent and St. Mary's in Akron, Ohio. ”
James just completed his first collegiate season at USC, which has since undergone a coaching change with Eric Musselman of Arkansas replacing Andy Enfield, who left for SMU.
James went into cardiac arrest during USC's practice on July 24 and underwent surgery to treat a congenital heart defect. He was cleared to play in late November and made his season debut on December 10th.
James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game.
While he understandably suffered some after going through a brutal ordeal that wiped out most of his offseason, the former four-star prospect flashed his potential at times, especially scoring 11 points against an Arizona team. , six assists, and five rebounds in the final victory. Earned the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
According to Wojnarowski, James would need approval from the league's Fitness to Play Committee before pursuing a path to the NBA. Until that happens, he won't be able to participate in team workouts in Chicago or May's draft combine.
May 31st mark The deadline for James to remain in the draft or withdraw his name from consideration and remain at school.
So we'll know soon what James decides to do, but given his connection to Joyce, it would make a lot of sense for Duquesne to stay at the school.
The reigning Atlantic 10 champions also made it to the NCAA Tournament, most notably defeating BYU in the first round.
