With the 2023-24 men’s college basketball season set to begin, the 22nd-ranked USC Trojans will be without one of their top incoming talents for the foreseeable future.
Bronny James — the son of LeBron James — committed to Andy Enfield’s squad back in May, which capped off one of the more unique recruitments we’ve seen any program navigate. Bronny, who was the 28th-ranked player in his class by 247 Sports, largely left coaches in the dark before narrowing his list down to USC, Memphis and Ohio State.
Bronny’s commitment to USC was thought to fit right into LeBron’s stated dream of sharing an NBA court with his son. But those plans understandably seemed insignificant when Bronny suffered cardiac arrest in July. Bronny was discharged from the hospital three days after the incident, and doctors diagnosed the 18-year-old with a congenital heart defect.
Given the massive health scare, Bronny’s basketball future wasn’t the primary concern, but his improvement since the incident has led to questions about his potential return.
Here’s what we know so far.
Comments from Bronny's family
A month after the incident, the James family released a statement about Bronny’s diagnosis. They concluded the statement by saying they were confident in Bronny’s full recovery and a return to basketball in the “very near future.”
Congenital heart defect was the cause of Bronny James’ cardiac arrest on July 24 and there is confidence he will make a full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future, per statement from James family spokesperson. pic.twitter.com/LLv4S9ro0x
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 25, 2023
In October, LeBron was asked about Bronny’s health, and he told reporters that his son was doing well. He said:
“It’s definitely a whirlwind and a lot of emotions for our family this summer. But the best thing we have is each other, and we stuck behind each other and gave Bronny strength throughout the whole process. And we happy to see where he is today and we look forward to seeing what his future still has in store for him.’’
Bronny at USC
Despite being sidelined from basketball action, Bronny has remained an active member of the USC team since the incident.
He’s been a part of the team’s media shoots.
Bronny James can, in fact, do a really good silent yell 😂 pic.twitter.com/8BNldujpUh
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) November 2, 2023
He was also introduced at USC’s midnight madness.
Bronny James introduced at USC Midnight Madness #TrojanFamily pic.twitter.com/rE0HM80igs
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) October 20, 2023
When will Bronny return?
Though LeBron did say that Bronny intends to return this season, the actual timeline isn’t clear.
Bronny missed USC’s first practice back in late September. Enfield said that Bronny was doing well, but wouldn’t get into the medical details of the heralded freshman. Via ESPN:
“Bronny’s 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.”
As of this week, Bronny has still been held out of USC’s practices. He was photographed wearing regular clothes during an October practice session as well.
#USC's five-star freshmen guards Isaiah Collier and Bronny James at practice today: pic.twitter.com/7z2ujRPNgH
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) October 20, 2023
Stopped by #USC hoops practice before heading to the Coliseum.
The Trojans, who have been banged up throughout the preseason, had everyone except Bronny James as full practice participants.
Andy Enfield said they'll have everyone but James and Vince Iwuchukwu available Monday.
— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) November 4, 2023
Ahead of USC’s opener against Kansas State, Enfield confirmed that Bronny would not suit up.
USC coach Andy Enfield told @TheMessenger freshman guard Bronny James will not play in tomorrow’s opener against Kansas State in Las Vegas.
Bronny’s return is TBD for the season after he collapsed and went into cardiac arrest during a workout in late-July.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) November 5, 2023
Though it seems unlikely Bronny will play this semester, USC hasn’t ruled out a return this season.
