Bronny James dealt NBA Draft blow to delay dream father-son duo with LeBron
Bronny James made his college debut on Sunday
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Bronny James' college coach Andy Enfield has indicated the eldest son of LeBron James will have a long wait to break into USC's starting five after making his college debut on Sunday evening in a potential blow to his NBA hopes.
The 19-year-old suffered cardiac arrest during a practice session back in July and was found to have a congenital heart defect.
Prior to the cardiac arrest, James Jr was seen as a top prospect for the 2024 NBA Draft with some projections seeing him picked in the top 10.
His heart scare has led to questions on whether James Jr will declare for next year's draft, but Sunday night marked his long-awaited collegiate debut.
Bronny James played 16 minutes on his debut
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LeBron was in the stands to watch his son in action, who finished the game with four points, two assists, three rebounds, two steals and a block in an action-packed 16 minutes.
The Trojans were unable to mark James Jr's debut with a win as Long Beach State spoiled the occasion with an overtime victory.
Eyes will now turn to James Jr's minutes and how he copes with the rigours of college basketball.
His USC coach, Enfield, has no fears about the teenager's ability to handle the pressure.
However, Enfield hinted that James Jr won't be thrown into the starting five any time soon.
"Bronny handles the spotlight extremely well," he said.
"He's a passionate young man about playing basketball.
"I'm not sure what will happen in the future as far as the spotlight but all I know is he handles it very well."
The college basketball season ends in April, giving James Jr just a few months to build up his stock for the NBA Draft.
But current projections have already dropped the guard far down the mock drafts and not being a part of USC's starting unit could hamper his chances of going high in the draft.
Fifth-year senior Boogie Ellis is confident his team-mate has what it takes to prove his talents with USC before the season ends.
"He's built for it," Ellis said.
"I feel like he embraces that. He put in the work and he's a great player.
"We're going to get him back and he's going to continue to get into the rotation, but he's built for it.
"He handles it very well."
LeBron has made no secret of his desire to one day play in the NBA at the same time as his son.
Speaking earlier this year, LeBron said: “I need to be on the floor with my boy, I got to be on the floor with Bronny.
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LeBron James wants to play with his son in the NBA
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“Either in the same uniform or a matchup against him.
“But I would love to do the whole Ken Griffey Sr. and Jr. thing. That would be ideal for sure.”
But the 38-year-old, who openly pondered retirement last summer, would have to commit to another two seasons in the NBA if his son opts out of declaring for next year's draft.
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