USC Freshman Sensation Bronny James, Eldest Son of Lakers Superstar LeBron James, Resumes Limited Practice Following Cardiac Arrest Incident in July

Bronny James participated in a restricted capacity during USC’s practice session, with full-contact clearance pending as he continues his recovery from the cardiac arrest incident that occurred during a preseason practice on July 24.

“Bronny has not been cleared fully yet from USC,” Trojans coach Andy Enfield told ESPN on Monday. “He can participate without contact. He’s done a good job of getting his conditioning and his strength back and I think he’s on the path to being ready to play very quickly.”

USC has initiated the season with a 5-3 record in the absence of James. The basketball prodigy engaged in pregame warmups ahead of the Trojans’ match against Brown on Nov. 19, and his anticipated debut in a USC game “might occur as early as” Sunday against Long Beach State, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

“Everybody’s excited to see Bronny on the court,” Enfield said. “The fans, teammates, everybody around our program and university. Bronny’s done a great job of mentally and physically getting back to this point and I think he’s very anxious to get back full-time playing. We’re excited to watch him play.”

James’ comeback to practice followed clearance from USC doctors, a few days subsequent to receiving approval from his personal medical team late last week.

“Bronny James is now cleared by his doctors for a full return to basketball,” a James family spokesperson said in a statement. “Bronny will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week, resume practice next week, and return to games soon after. The James family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible medical team, the entire USC community, and especially the countless friends, family, and fans for their love and support. Fight On!”

In July, James was hospitalized following a cardiac arrest during a summer workout with the Trojans. In August, medical professionals identified a congenital heart defect as the underlying cause of the cardiac episode.

“After a comprehensive initial evaluation at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center led by Dr. Merije Chukumerije and follow-up evaluations at the Mayo Clinic led by Dr. Michael J. Ackerman and Atlantic Health/Morristown Medical Center led by Dr. Matthew W. Martinez, the probable cause of Mr. James’ sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) has been identified,” the family said in a statement obtained by CBS Sports. “It is an anatomically and functionally significant Congenital Heart Defect which can and will be treated.”

Bronny James is considered a valuable role player for the USC Trojans, complementing teammates Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier in the backcourt with his high basketball IQ and unselfish play. His defensive prowess and ability to impact crucial moments in games make him an asset, particularly in March when the stakes are high.

Where is Bronny’s NBA Draft stock?

Before James faced a health scare over the summer, his NBA Draft stock was promising, with projections placing him in the late-lottery or early first-round selection range in various mock drafts by CBS Sports. However, recent mock drafts indicate a shift, with his first-round status in question.

Several factors will influence James’ draft stock going forward, including his on-court performance, which aligns well with the modern NBA style. Additionally, the prominence of his last name, given his father LeBron James’ expressed desire to play alongside him in the NBA, could impact his draft prospects.

James is a potential one-and-done prospect, and a strong performance during the remainder of the season could bolster his draft stock. The 2024 draft class is perceived as not as strong at the top, providing an opportunity for players like James to move up draft boards.

When will James make his debut at USC?

Regarding his debut with USC, James has successfully cleared initial medical evaluations and has rejoined team practices. The possibility of a debut against Long Beach State on Sunday looms large, especially if he continues to participate fully in practice throughout the week. USC’s upcoming schedule provides multiple opportunities for James to progressively increase his workload and contribute meaningfully to the team.

Cardiac arrest among college basketball players

The unfortunate incident of cardiac arrest during a team practice is not unique to James within the USC basketball program. Vincent Iwuchukwu, another USC player, experienced a similar incident last summer, missing the first part of the 2022-23 season. The broader context includes instances like Keyontae Johnson’s collapse in 2020 and Jared Butler’s diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, highlighting the potential risks associated with cardiac events among college basketball players.