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Bronny James Scores 6 Points as USC Cruises Past Alabama State in Win

Dec 20, 2023
USC guard Bronny James defends during the first half of an NCAA basketball game against Auburn Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
USC guard Bronny James defends during the first half of an NCAA basketball game against Auburn Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Bronny James and the USC Trojans bounced back from a disappointing loss to Auburn with a 79-59 victory over the Alabama State Hornets on Tuesday night.

It was a much better showing for the Trojans, who saw every player on their roster score at least five points in the win.

Top Performers

  • TJ Madlock, Alabama State: 17 PTS, 1 REB, 3 AST, 1 STL, 1 BLK
  • Arrinten Page, USC: 12 PTS, 4 REB, 1 STL
  • Isaiah Range, Alabama State: 13 PTS, 5 REB, 1 AST
  • Isaiah Collier, USC: 11 PTS, 5 REB, 6 AST, 1 STL
  • Bronny James, USC: 6 PTS, 3 REB, 1 AST, 1 STL

USC was dominant in the first half, taking a 39-18 lead into halftime, but the team's intensity was lackluster at best in the second half as they were outscored 41-40 as Hornets junior guard TJ Madlock was the best player on the floor, notching 17 points, one rebound, three assists, one steal and two blocks.

As for the Trojans, freshman forward Arrinten Page led the way off the bench with 12 points, four rebounds and one steal while freshman guard Isaiah Collier finished with 11 points, five rebounds, six assists and one steal

James, who is also a freshman, notched six points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal.

USC improved to 6-5 with the victory, but it has been an incredibly disappointing start to the season for the Trojans as they don't come close to contending with the best in college basketball.

The Trojans have lost to UC Irvine, No. 7 Oklahoma, No. 15 Gonzaga, Long Beach State and Auburn. If they have any hope of making the NCAA Tournament, they're going to have to step it up over the coming weeks and months.

USC will be back in action for a road matchup against Oregon on Dec. 28 before facing Oregon State on Dec. 30.

Bronny James Scores 5 Points as USC Routed by Auburn for 3rd Straight Loss

Dec 17, 2023
AUBURN, ALABAMA - DECEMBER 17: Bronny James #6 of the USC Trojans looks to attempt a layup in front of Johni Broome #4 of the Auburn Tigers during the first half of play at Neville Arena on December 17, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)
AUBURN, ALABAMA - DECEMBER 17: Bronny James #6 of the USC Trojans looks to attempt a layup in front of Johni Broome #4 of the Auburn Tigers during the first half of play at Neville Arena on December 17, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)

Bronny James' college career hasn't exactly gotten off to a sunny start.

The much-publicized guardā€”who made his return to the basketball court last Sunday after suffering cardiac arrest in Julyā€”managed just five points, two rebounds and two turnovers while still on a minutes restriction in a 91-75 blowout loss against Auburn.

He finished 1-of-4 from the field and 0-of-2 from three in 14 minutes off the bench. He also hit three of his four attempts from the free-throw line.

The Trojans, meanwhile, have now lost three straight games.

Getting Jamesā€”the son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron Jamesā€”back on the court has been the biggest storyline of the season for the Trojans, and he expressed his thankfulness last weekend for the support and care he received during his recovery from cardiac arrest.

"I just want to say I'm thankful for everything," he told reporters. "Mayo Clinic, everything they helped me with, my parents, siblings for supporting me through this hard time in my life. I just want to give appreciation to everyone that's helped me through this. Also, my coach, my teammates, all my other coaches. They've been with me since the start and I just want to say I'm thankful for them."

The second biggest storyline of the Trojans' season, however, has been the team's overall struggles. Losses to ranked teams like No. 11 Oklahoma and No. 10 Gonzaga weren't huge surprises. But dropping games to UC Irvine and Long Beach Stateā€”alongside getting blown out by a talented but unranked Auburn teamā€”hasn't been a good look.

This is a team with a potential top-five pick in point guard Isaiah Collier, while backcourt mate Kobe Johnson could potentially draw interest from teams in the second round and James himself might have an NBA future.

Suffice to say, it's been a disappointing start to the season for the Trojans.

Perhaps James eventually leaving his minutes restriction will help. But the Trojans have more than enough talent to overcome his limited role. The team will get its next shot on Tuesday in a road game against Alabama State.

Lakers' LeBron James Shows Love to Bronny After USC Debut: 'You're Simply Incredible'

Dec 11, 2023
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 10: Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James and his daughter Zhuri Nova walk past USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) before the college basketball game between the Long Beach State 49ers and the USC Trojans on December 10, 2023 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 10: Los Angeles Lakers forward Lebron James and his daughter Zhuri Nova walk past USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) before the college basketball game between the Long Beach State 49ers and the USC Trojans on December 10, 2023 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Bronny James made his debut for the USC Trojans on Sunday, and his father and Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is beaming with pride.

James paid tribute to his son with an Instagram post, writing in the caption, "Can't even tell y'all how EMOTIONAL today was for me! I'm literally drained and all I can say is @bronny you're simply INCREDIBLE!! Damn the wins and loses that will occur. You've already won the ultimate goal/championship and that's LIFE!!! Proud of you kid and today you've given me more life! Thank you and I love you."

Bronny James came off the bench and played 17 minutes in Sunday's game, scoring four points while adding three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. However, USC went on to suffer an 84-79 loss in overtime to Long Beach State, dropping the team's record to 5-4.

It was James' first game since suffering cardiac arrest in July. His minutes were limited while he continues to work his way back into playing shape, but he showed flashes of the athleticism that made him a 5-star recruit in the class of 2023. After the game, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be back on the court:

USC head coach Andy Enfield didn't confirm if James will be active for the team's next few games.

"We will continue to monitor that, that's not my decision," Enfield said. "He played his restriction tonight, his minutes restriction, and I thought he played well in those minutes."

The Trojans will have a week off before returning to action next Sunday against Auburn, which will be the first of four consecutive road games. The team will be back home on Jan. 3 in a matchup against Cal.

USC fans will certainly be hoping to see more of James as the team chases a fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament.

Bronny James Thanks Medical Staff, USC MCBB Team After Returning from Cardiac Arrest

Dec 11, 2023
Los Angeles, CA - December 10: USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) runs down the court during the first half against the Long Beach State 49ers at Galen Center in Los Angeles Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles, CA - December 10: USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) runs down the court during the first half against the Long Beach State 49ers at Galen Center in Los Angeles Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Bronny James thanked medical staff and his USC teammates for helping him return to college basketball after suffering cardiac arrest in July.

The eldest son of LeBron James made his USC debut Sunday during an 84-79 overtime loss to Long Beach State.

"I just wanted to say I'm thankful for everything," James said after the game. "The Mayo Clinic, for everything they helped me with. My parents, siblings, for supporting me through this hard time in my life. I just want to give appreciation to everyone that's helped me through this."

"Also my coach, teammates, all my other coaches that have been with me since the start, I just want to say I'm thankful for them."

James recorded four points, three rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes in his college debut for the Trojans.

The Trojans had already planned to limit James' minutes coming off the bench prior to the game, according to the Orange County Register's Luca Evans.

LeBron James was in the crowd and saw Bronny's debut, including the three-pointer that marked James' first college basket and earned the 19-year-old a standing ovation from the crowd.

After being cleared to play at the end of November and participating in limited pre-game warmups since December 2, James returned to full-contact practice Thursday.

That marked his first time practicing with the Trojans in a full capacity since undergoing surgery to treat the congenital heart defect that likely caused him to suffer sudden cardiac arrest during a July 24 workout.

The James family said in previous statements that both the emergency response by USC medical staff and follow-up exams in Los Angeles and Minnesota helped identify and treat the probable cause of the cardiac arrest.

Similar to his son, LeBron James gave the clinics and USC staff a shoutout during the Los Angeles Lakers' media day in October.

"I give the biggest thanks to the USC training and coaching staff. ... I also want to thank Cedars-Sinai and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and anywhere else that had anything to do with his recovery," LeBron James said.

James is set to play the first road game of his USC career next Sunday at Auburn.

Bronny James' USC Debut vs. LBSU Hyped by LeBron, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade, CBB Fans

Dec 10, 2023
Los Angeles, CA - December 10: USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) looks on from the court during the first half against the Long Beach State 49ers at Galen Center in Los Angeles Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Los Angeles, CA - December 10: USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) looks on from the court during the first half against the Long Beach State 49ers at Galen Center in Los Angeles Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Bronny James is back on a basketball court.

The USC freshman guard made his college debut on Sunday against Long Beach State in a 84-79 overtime loss for the Trojans, his first action since suffering cardiac arrest back in July during a workout.

It wasn't a particularly notable performance on the court, as James came off the bench and managed just four points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block. No surprises there, as he was on a minutes restriction. And it was an even worse day for USC in general, which dropped to 5-4 on the season after the shocking loss to Long Beach State (7-4).

But the fact that he was recovered fully from his scary incident in Julyā€”alongside the hype that naturally comes with being LeBron James' sonā€”had the greater basketball world excited to see him back on the court Sunday:

James was only cleared to return to the court on Nov. 30, and the Trojans are bringing him back up to speed slowly.

"It's just going to be a feel for how the game's going, how he's playing, how he feels physically," head coach Andy Enfield told reporters last week. "[Sunday will] be very emotional for him as well as his teammates. But as the game progresses, I think he'll settle in, and we'll just play it half by half and see where he is."

James, who was ultimately diagnosed with a treatable congenital heart defect, was a 4-star recruit out of Sierra Canyon high school and considered the No. 28 overall prospect in the Class of 2023, per 247Sports' Composite Rankings.

He's been under a magnifying glass since he stepped on an high school court, given his famous father, so it was no surprise that his college debut was a spectacle. But he didn't appear to be fazed by the moment.

He likely wasn't happy with the final result, however.

'Extremely Valuable' Caleb Love Draws Praise from CBB Fans as Arizona Routs Wisconsin

Dec 9, 2023
TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love #2 dunks the ball during the first half of a men's basketball game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the University of Arizona Wildcats on December 9, 2023 at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TUCSON, AZ - DECEMBER 09: Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love #2 dunks the ball during the first half of a men's basketball game between the Wisconsin Badgers and the University of Arizona Wildcats on December 9, 2023 at McKale Center in Tucson, AZ. (Photo by Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

After transferring to UNC, senior guard Caleb Love has wasted no time establishing himself as one of Arizona's best players.

Love's talents were on full display as he helped lead the No. 1-ranked Wildcats to a 98-73 blowout win over No. 23 Wisconsin on Saturday much to the delight of home fans at McKale Center.

Love tied his season-high with 20 points while adding seven rebounds, five assists and two steals. It was his fifth straight game scoring in double figures and his seventh time in eight games this season for Arizona, which remained undefeated at 8-0.

In addition to his impressive offensive performance, Love helped lead a stellar defensive effort by the Wildcats against a Badgers team that was on a six-game win streak that included an upset of No. 3 Marquette.

All five of Arizona's starters scored over 10 points in the victory, led by Pelle Larsson's game-high 21. The Wildcats shot an incredible 58.3 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from beyond the arc, and their 98 points were the most a Wisconsin team has allowed since 1995.

But it was Love who was the star of the show, and fans on social media were impressed with his performance on Saturday:

https://twitter.com/RealTAiello/status/1733590360897585474
https://twitter.com/lil_aubrii/status/1733597699205644597
https://twitter.com/loveeMEcorey/status/1733594470606610446

Love had initially committed to Michigan for his senior season before ultimately deciding to transfer to Arizona. It's clear that he made the right decision, as the Wildcats look like one of the top contenders for a national championship.

Arizona will be back in action next Saturday in a marquee matchup against No. 4 Purdue.

Bronny James' Potential USC CBB Debut vs. Long Beach State Sells Out

Dec 9, 2023
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 02: Bronny James #6 of the USC Trojans warms up before a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational at MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 02, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 02: Bronny James #6 of the USC Trojans warms up before a game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational at MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 02, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

USC announced a sellout for the Trojans' upcoming matchup with Long Beach State on Sunday, as Bronny James is expected to make his college basketball debut.

The Trojans have jumped out to a 5-3 record this season without James as he's worked towards a return to the floor. The freshman suffered a cardiac arrest during a practice on July 24, putting his future on the court in doubt.

The likely cause of James' cardiac arrest was a congenital heart defect that was also considered treatable, according to ESPN's Myron Medcalf. His recovery process went smoothly and he was cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball on Nov. 30.

James' college debut has generated lots of attention, as fans are excited to see how the No. 28-ranked player in the 2023 recruiting class looks in his first Pac-12 game action (per 247Sports). LeBron James himself wasn't able to contain his excitement about his son's first game when speaking to reporters this week.

"Looking forward to that for sure," said James after he was asked about Bronny's first game. "Super excited for that moment. One, I can't wait to see him run out with his teammates. And once he checks into the game, it's gonna be a big moment for our family."

Tip-off will be at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday.

USC's Bronny James Has 'All Indications' of Making Debut vs. LBSU After Heart Issue

Dec 8, 2023
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 02: Bronny James #6 of the University of Southern California Trojans warms up prior to the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the University of Southern California Trojans on December 2, 2023 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 02: Bronny James #6 of the University of Southern California Trojans warms up prior to the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the University of Southern California Trojans on December 2, 2023 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

USC men's basketball coach Andy Enfield said there are "all indications" freshman Bronny James will make his college debut Sunday at home against Long Beach State, per Orange County Register's Luca Evans.

"He feels great, looks good," Enfield said.

James returned to full-contact practice Thursday for the first time since undergoing surgery to treat a congenital heart defect, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk.

The oldest son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will practice again Friday before the team decides about his status Sunday, per Youngmisuk.

If James plays, his minutes will be restricted, Evans noted.

James was hospitalized for three days after suffering cardiac arrest during USC practice on July 24. He later underwent surgery on a congenital heart defect.

He began joining the team for limited pregame warm-ups on November 19. The James family announced on November 30 that he had been cleared to play.

Enfield said in August that James can "help our team win."

"He's a terrific basketball player and was playing very well [before the cardiac arrest]," Enfield said before the season, per the Associated Press. "We all think there is a big upside in his game."

The Trojans are 5-3 heading into Sunday, including a 3-1 record at home, as they look to qualify for a fourth straight NCAA tournament.

USC Coach: Bronny James 'on the Path to Being Ready to Play Very Quickly'

Dec 5, 2023
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 02: Bronny James #6 of the University of Southern California Trojans warms up prior to the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the University of Southern California Trojans on December 2, 2023 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 02: Bronny James #6 of the University of Southern California Trojans warms up prior to the Legends of Basketball Las Vegas Invitational between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the University of Southern California Trojans on December 2, 2023 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Speer/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It doesn't seem like college basketball fans will have to wait much longer to see Bronny James take the court.

"Bronny has not been cleared fully yet from USC," Trojans head coach Andy Enfield said Monday, per ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "He can participate without contact. He's done a good job of getting his conditioning and his strength back and I think he's on the path to being ready to play very quickly."

As Youngmisuk noted, James, who suffered cardiac arrest in July, was cleared by doctors to return to basketball but has been just a limited participant in practice.

He has not taken part in full-contact practice.

"We hope to get Bronny on the court as soon as possible," Enfield said. "The heart specialist, the doctors at USC, those are people that have to give the approval [to clear James for full-contact practice] and I know they're working diligently on the whole process. I commend them for all they've done as part of this."

James, who is the son of NBA legend LeBron James, was a 5-star prospect in the class of 2023, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

When the time does come for the younger James to play in a game, LeBron plans on being there even if he has to miss his own contest:

USC could certainly use James on the court following an inconsistent start to the season. It is just 5-3 with losses to Gonzaga, Oklahoma and UC Irvine ahead of Pac-12 play.

Its next game is Sunday against Long Beach State.

Bronny James Cleared for Full Return to USC Basketball After Cardiac Arrest

Nov 30, 2023
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) looks on from the bench during the college basketball game between the Eastern Washington Eagles and the USC Trojans on November 29, 2023 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 29: USC Trojans guard Bronny James (6) looks on from the bench during the college basketball game between the Eastern Washington Eagles and the USC Trojans on November 29, 2023 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Bronny James has been cleared to return to the basketball court.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium shared a statement Thursday from a James family spokesperson that revealed the USC freshman now has a clear timeline to return to the floor following the cardiac arrest he suffered in July:

"Bronny James is now cleared by his doctors for a full return to basketball. Bronny will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week, resume practice next week, and return to games soon after. The James family would like to express their gratitude to the incredible medical team, the entire USC community, and especially the countless friends, family, and fans for their love and support."

Things have seemingly been trending in this direction based on multiple updates from NBA great LeBron James, who is Bronny's father.

"Bronny is doing extremely well," LeBron said in October, per ESPN's Myron Medcalf. "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."

He used similar language in an update earlier this month:

The James family released a statement in August revealing a congenital heart defect was the likely cause of the cardiac arrest. Even that statement said the expectation was Bronny would return to the court "in the very near future."

While the younger James may still be best known because of his famous father, he was a 5-star prospect in his own right, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

His return will provide an immediate boost to a Trojans team that is 5-2 on the season with wins over Kansas State and Seton Hall but losses to Oklahoma and UC Irvine. It is scheduled to face Gonzaga in a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday.

The Trojans' Pac-12 conference schedule starts on Dec. 28 with a road game at Oregon.

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