From the moment news broke that Bronny James had committed to USC, basketball fans everywhere have been looking forward to the moment he plays his first game for the Trojans.
That anticipation and excitement was doubled when we learned that he was once again cleared to play after suffering a cardiac arrest in the summer.
Now, the moment has finally come. Bronny debuted for the Trojans on Sunday against Long Beach State university. And, though USC lost the game, James was still a joy to watch in the minutes he played.
Bronny only played for 16 minutes against LBSU because of a minutes restriction, but he stuffed the stat sheet with four points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and an incredible block.
Some incredible moments came along with that stat line, too. Let’s take a look at Bronny’s best from Sunday.
The ovation from the crowd
As soon as Bronny checked into the game he got a standing ovation from everyone in the crowd.
Being the dad that he is, LeBron James recorded it all.
POV: LeBron James watching his son Bronny checking in for USC for the first time 🙌
(via @KingJames/ IG)pic.twitter.com/nTaARcvgWO
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 11, 2023
What a moment.
His first bucket
Bronny’s first bucket came on a 3-pointer in transition. It was simple and sweet, but with everything he’d been through in the last few months, this felt like a huge moment.
BRONNY'S FIRST NCAA BUCKET
🔥(via @USC_Hoops)pic.twitter.com/CFp7TCsGRp
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 10, 2023
Here’s another angle with the celebration.
BRONNY’S FIRST COLLEGE BUCKET 🔥 @KingJames pic.twitter.com/s8od463BHO
— Overtime (@overtime) December 10, 2023
His captivating defense
Bronny’s best skill at this point might be how he locks up defensively. This is going to be his calling card when he gets to the next level.
We caught glimpses of it in his USC debut. Look at how tenacious he is.
Bronny James already causing problems with his point of attack defense pic.twitter.com/pKwhHRatHi
— Wilko (@wilkomcv) December 10, 2023
That dude is going to be a problem. Look at this steal he gets in the clutch here.
Bronny with a steal in the clutch 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/bKYMSy13Ke
— Overtime (@overtime) December 10, 2023
A big block
Instead of “blocked by James” here the announcer went with “blocked by Bronny.” That has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
BRONNY BLOCK. 🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 10, 2023
Man. What a play.
The NBA world loved it
Former and current players were showing Bronny so much love for his debut. Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade welcomed him back to the game.
Welcome back Bronny
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) December 10, 2023
Watching Bronny walk out on that court gave me chills… Welcome back to the game you love Bronny
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) December 10, 2023
Of course, LeBron chimed in, too. He was thrilled for his son.
LeBron James wrote a heartfelt paragraph dedicated to Bronny James after playing his first college basketball game at USC ❤️
(via @KingJames/ IG) pic.twitter.com/i3nZhbBI4t
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 11, 2023
What a moment. Hopefully, there will be plenty more to come in Bronny James’ basketball career.
