When No. 23 USC took the floor Monday, Nov. 6, for its season-opener against Kansas State at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, star freshman Bronny James was not available.
On July 25, news surfaced that the son of Lakers star LeBron James was in stable condition after suffering cardiac arrest and collapsing during a basketball workout the day before. The condition was later diagnosed as “a treatable congenital heart defect,” and, thankfully, every update along the way has been positive.
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James was discharged from the hospital after three days. He has since returned to his normal school life at USC, attending classes and football games this fall. When the men’s and women’s basketball teams had their “Trojan HoopLA” season kickoff event on Oct. 19, James was able to join in on the fun with all of his teammates.
On Dec. 7, Trojans head coach Andy Enfield offered the most substantive update yet on a timeline for Bronny’s college debut.
The Sporting News has you covered with the latest updates on the situation below.
When will Bronny James play for USC?
It appears like Bronny will be making his return to the hardwood in the immediate future. According to head coach Andy Enfield, everything is indicating that James will make his season debut vs. Long Beach State on Sunday.
USC coach Andy Enfield tells reporters that all signs point toward USC freshman Bronny James making his college debut Sunday at home against Long Beach State.
James’ father had previously told the media hat Bronny would get a checkup at the end of November and, if he was cleared, he would practice with the intention of returning to game action this season, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
Following that timetable, the family released a statement Nov. 30 saying Bronny had been cleared by doctors and will resume practice the first week of December, with a “return to games soon after.”
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Just In: After recovering from a cardiac arrest in late July, USC freshman Bronny James has been cleared to make a full return to basketball. He will resume practice next week for Trojans and return to games soon after. Statement from James family spokesperson: pic.twitter.com/3aj490m6Fl
Bronny was seen warming up with his teammates ahead of USC’s game against Brown on Sunday, Nov. 19. This was a first, and a step in the right direction for the star freshman.
Bronny James out warming up pregame for USC hoops before tonight’s game against Brown. Kobe Johnson and Boogie Ellis, who both missed last game v. UCI, are also warming up. pic.twitter.com/i8s2IEuT4m
“Today’s game was the first game he got an opportunity to warm up with his team,” LeBron said. “So, he’s almost there. He’s almost there.”
On Sept. 25, USC head coach Andy Enfield said, “Bronny is doing very well, but we just can’t comment on anything medically.
“He’s going to class and doing extremely well in school, and we’re really excited for him. He’s around when he can be and he’s getting caught up [with] some schoolwork and doing very well. His grades are excellent right now, and he’s being the true student-athlete.”
At Lakers media day on Oct. 2, LeBron gave another positive update that Bronny intends to play for USC at some point this season.
“Bronny is doing extremely well,” LeBron told the media. “He has begun his rehab process to get back on the floor this season with his teammates at USC.
“The successful surgery that he had … he’s on the up and up. It’s definitely a whirlwind and a lot of emotions for our family this summer, but the best thing we have is each other.”
Bronny James’ potential timeline for return
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The most recent timeline provided by the James family indicates a mid-December debut could be in order for Bronny.
A Dec. 10 home game against Long Beach State would be the earliest opportunity for that to occur. The Trojans will play two more non-conference games after that before Pac-12 play kicks off after Christmas.
If Pac-12 play were to be a hypothetical target date, USC’s first conference game takes place Dec. 28 at Oregon. The Trojans’ first home Pac-12 game will be Jan. 3 vs. California at the Galen Center in Los Angeles.
While a timeline for recovery from a heart condition cannot be compared, it is worth noting that James’ teammate, Vincent Iwuchukwu, also went into cardiac arrest on July 1, 2022, during the summer before his freshman year.
After making a full recovery, Iwuchukwu made his debut in a Pac-12 game against Colorado on Jan. 12, 2023, going on to play in 14 games last season.
Once James does return, he’ll join a USC squad that has Pac-12 title and national championship aspirations alongside 2023 No. 1 recruit Isaiah Collier and returning super senior Boogie Ellis.
USC men’s basketball schedule 2023-24
Here is the rest of the Trojans’ non-conference schedule for the 2023-24 season.
Date Opponent Time (ET) TV channel Streaming Dec. 2 vs. Gonzaga (at Las Vegas) 10 p.m. ESPN Fubo/Sling Dec. 10 vs. Long Beach State 4 p.m. Pac-12 Network Fubo/Sling Dec. 17 at Auburn 1 p.m. ESPN Fubo/Sling Dec. 19 at Alabama State 7 p.m. ESPN+
Basketball fans can watch the biggest games of the 2023-24 season on Sling TV, which is now offering HALF OFF your first month! Sling base packages (Sling Orange or Sling Blue) start at just $20 for your first month, or you can get Sling Orange + Blue starting at $27.50 for your first month.
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