Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, showcased his skills in his first college game, achieving a milestone that surpassed his father's college scoring record. Although LeBron went directly from high school to the NBA, Bronny's debut marked a notable achievement.
Returning to the court after a summer cardiac arrest and a congenital heart defect diagnosis, the 18-year-old played for the University of Southern California. In the game against Long Beach State, Bronny recorded one 3-pointer, one free throw, three rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block in 17 minutes of play. Despite his efforts, USC lost to Long Beach State 84-79 in overtime.
Bronny's resilience and contribution were evident in a crucial steal with 26 seconds left in regulation when the Trojans held a one-point lead. Subsequently, he made one of two free throws, but Long Beach State's Marcus Tsohonis forced overtime with a tying jump shot.
Having suffered a cardiac arrest during a July basketball practice, Bronny expressed gratitude for the support he received. In a post-game statement, he thanked the Mayo Clinic, his family, siblings, coach, teammates, and others who aided him during the challenging time.
Medical professionals identified a congenital heart defect as the probable cause of the cardiac arrest, emphasizing that it could and would be treated. After receiving clearance from doctors in late November, Bronny made a remarkable return to the basketball court.
LeBron James, watching from the stands, celebrated not only Bronny's resilience but also his own success on the NBA stage. LeBron recently secured both the NBA Cup and the MVP award for the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament (IST), adding to his illustrious career. While LeBron holds the NBA's all-time scoring record with 39,201 points, Bronny has now taken a 4-0 lead in collegiate scoring, marking a noteworthy chapter in the James family's basketball legacy.