Bronny James still feels some worries, but he’s also holding onto his big dreams. Almost a year after having a cardiac arrest while working out, he’s getting closer to his goal of playing in the NBA, just like his famous dad.
“It’s a wonderful thing for me, and I’m grateful for everything,” James shared at the NBA draft combine. “I’ve put in a lot of effort to bounce back, so I believe I’ve earned this opportunity. I’m incredibly thankful for everything I’ve been given.”
James took part in a scrimmage on Tuesday after doing drills the day before. During those drills, his vertical leap was measured at 40 1/2 inches, and his height without shoes was recorded as 6-foot-1 1/2, despite USC listing him as 6-4.
He also spoke with reporters, something he didn’t do last season.
The son of LeBron James, who holds the NBA career scoring record, Bronny James was one of the country’s top prospects when he decided to attend USC close to home. He committed to USC in May last year after attending Sierra Canyon School in nearby Chatsworth. However, things took an unexpected turn last summer.
James experienced cardiac arrest due to a congenital heart issue while working out for basketball at USC in late July and had to undergo surgery. He was treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and later visited doctors at the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health-Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey.
“It was a tough time, definitely,” he recalled. “All the effort I had put in, it really shaped me into someone who would never give up. It paid off because I worked hard after that situation, and now I’m back where I want to be.”
James mentioned that there were discussions about the possibility of him not being able to play again. Even now, the fear from the cardiac arrest “still lingers.”
“My parents played a big role in believing in me and giving me the support I needed at that time,” he said. “I still think about all the possibilities, but I love the game so much that it outweighs the fear.”
James missed the first month of the season. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 25 games for the Trojans.
“What he went through would set anyone back,” remarked Isaiah Collier, a projected first-round pick who excelled as a freshman at USC. “You’re going to see what he’s truly capable of very soon. I believe Bronny is a great player. He definitely belongs here. He’s going to be just fine.”
