Bronny James had a more successful second start for the USC Trojans compared to his initial outing, at least on a personal level. Following a scoreless debut on Saturday, the freshman guard demonstrated a strong performance on Wednesday evening, contributing 11 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Despite his efforts, the Trojans fell short once again, losing 82-67 to No. 15 Arizona.
Bronny getting buckets too! https://t.co/y0VENISNvW pic.twitter.com/iIN5tIlBUU
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) January 18, 2024
Caleb Love, with 20 points and five assists, posed a significant challenge for USC, leading to their 8-10 season record, while Arizona improved to 13-4. James, who had struggled in the previous three games with only two points and no successful field goals, desperately needed to break out of his slump.
Social media reactions from college basketball fans and pundits reflected satisfaction in seeing the young guard regain his form. Notable figures, including Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant, turned up to witness Bronny in action. The USC game coincided with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers victory over the Dallas Mavericks, creating a James family affair on Disney’s networks.
Despite being unable to fully replace star guard Isaiah Collier, who is sidelined with a hand injury until late February or early March, Bronny James showcased his ability as a solid two-way player. Head coach Andy Enfield praised James for his basketball intelligence, consistent effort, and defensive contributions. As USC navigates the challenges ahead, the team will rely on James to elevate his game and contribute significantly to salvage the season.