DeMar DeRozan: Bronny James Is 'Perfect Person' to Push USC MCBB to 'Another Level'
May 15, 2023
Sierra Canyon's Bronny James #0 is seen against Christopher Columbus during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Monday, January 16, 2023, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
USC isn't considered a basketball school thanks to its famous football team, but the arrival of Bronny James could change that.
Chicago Bulls star and former Trojan DeMar DeRozan discussed James' commitment to USC on Podcast P with Paul George and said he believes this could be a monumental addition for the program (23:12 mark):
"Basketball-wise, you just need that big name to come there to bring that attention, and he's the perfect person for that. I think the way he comes in, the way he's gonna handle it, the attention he's gonna bring, the player that he is, I think is gonna push SC to another level that we haven't seen."
The eldest son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, Bronny is a 5-star combo guard and the fifth-best player at his position in the class of 2023 in 247Sports' composite rankings.
In addition to James, USC landed a commitment from the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 class in point guard Isaiah Collier.
The coming season could be a banner year for the Trojans, who have reached the Final Four just twice in program history and have only made it out of the first round of the NCAA tournament once in the last six years with their run to the Elite Eight in 2021.
Dennis Rodman's Son DJ Plans to Join Bronny James at USC, Transfer From WSU
May 9, 2023
Washington State forward DJ Rodman drives during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona State, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
After LeBron James' son Bronny announced his commitment to USC over the weekend, the school will reportedly land another recruit with a Hall of Fame lineage.
According to USC reporter Scott Wolf, former Washington State forward DJ Rodman plans to transfer to the Trojans. He's the sun of Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman.
Rodman has spent the last four years with the Cougars and appeared in a total of 111 games. As a senior this past season, he appeared in 31 games with 30 starts and averaged 9.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 38.1 percent from three-point range.
As a high school prospect in the class of 2019, Rodman was unranked by 247Sports' composite. Per On3.com's Joe Tipton, he chose Washington State over offers from schools like Sacramento State and UC Riverside.
In addition to Bronny James, Rodman will be joining a 2023 recruiting class that also includes 5-star point guard Isaiah Collier, who is ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the nation by 247Sports' composite. The incoming class is rounded out by 4-star center Arrinten Page, who was Collier's teammate at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia.
USC finished second in the Pac-12 last season with an overall record of 22-11 and a conference record of 14-6. The Trojans were bounced from the NCAA tournament in the first round with a 10-point loss to Michigan State.
The upcoming season appears to be promising for USC, as in addition to the strong recruiting class, it was reported last month that senior guard Boogie Ellis will use his fifth year of eligibility to return to the program. He led the team with 17.7 points per game last season and will provide a veteran presence for the incoming group of youngsters.
Bronny James Picking USC 'Will Accelerate His Development,' NBA Scout Says
May 9, 2023
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 06: Bronny James at Crypto.com Arena on May 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Bronny James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, decided to keep it local by committing to USC on Saturday over Ohio State and Oregon, and that decision should pay off mightily for his future.
James will suit up alongside Isaiah Collier, the 247Sports composite list's No. 1 recruit in the nation, and Boogie Ellis, in Southern California, which will take a lot of weight off his shoulders.
An NBA scout told ESPN's Jeff Borzello that James' decision will "accelerate his development":
"It helps a lot. He picked a good situation. You're going to have the third-best perimeter defender guarding you, which is going to help with his ball handling. He's a smart basketball player. He's going to be able to drive and kick and make plays like that. And he can make shots. They've now got two guys who can drive and kick. Collier spends the first half feeling out the defense, and the second half he goes for the knockout. So he'll set up Bronny, he'll look for Bronny. And Bronny is good in transition, and he's got two guys who can find him. It'll very much accelerate his development."
Another NBA scout added:
"His confidence grew. That, to me, was the biggest thing. His shooting is significantly better. It's all catch-and-shoot, so his biggest area of improvement is going to be making shots off the move. Pull-ups, coming off screens, being ready to shoot. ... He can get a swing pass and make a nice entry pass. You leave him open on a catch-and-shoot, he'll destroy you."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91OX2G6BP5o
Because of the James name, Bronny's basketball career has been followed by scouts and coaches for a very long time. His high school career at Sierra Canyon, in particular, was put under a microscope, and he has certainly lived up to the hype.
The 18-year-old, who stands at 6'3" and 190 pounds, is the No. 21 player and fifth-best combo guard in the 2023 class. He's also ranked as the fourth-best prospect out of California behind Jared McCain, Aden Holloway and Caleb Foster.
James hasn't even stepped on a college court yet and he's already considered a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA draft. ESPN's Jonathan Givony had James going 10th overall to the Orlando Magic in his February mock draft.
If LeBron's eldest son thrives at USC, he could be selected higher than 10th overall, especially because it could mean the team that drafts him could also eventually land his father, a four-time NBA champion.
LeBron is still serious about playing with Bronny in the NBA, and it's bound to happen at one point or another.
Fans will get a first look at Bronny in a USC uniform on Nov. 6 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, according to Jeff Goodman of Stadium. It will be one of the most highly anticipated events of the college basketball season.
Woj: Bronny James 'Very Much on the Radar of NBA Teams' amid USC Commitment
May 7, 2023
Sierra Canyon's Bronny James #0 is seen against Christopher Columbus during a high school basketball game at the Hoophall Classic, Monday, January 16, 2023, in Springfield, MA. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Bronny James began a new chapter of his basketball story by committing to USC on Saturday, and it sounds like he's in good position to go even further.
During Saturday night's episode of NBA Countdown, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that James is already being eyed by multiple NBA teams as a future prospect:
"This is a player who is already very much on the radar of NBA teams. ... I was up in Portland, Oregon, last month when Bronny James was playing for Team USA at the Nike Hoops Summit. A lot of NBA executives there, talked to a lot of them over the course of a few days as they were evaluating Bronny James. What they've seen is a player who has continually gotten better in high school. Already a great defender, great playmaker, really highly intelligent player, plays great without the ball, just like his dad."
A 5-star combo guard, James is ranked as the No. 5 player at his position in the class of 2023 by 247Sports' composite ranking. After starring for Sierra Canyon, he earned McDonald's All-American honors this season.
247Sports recruiting analyst Adam Finkelstein described him as "unselfish, a more than willing passer, and engaged defender" whose "best attribute may be his understanding of how to impact the game without dominating the ball or forcing bad shots."
If James continues his steady development, he will have a strong chance of making it to the NBA sooner rather than later. His legendary father LeBron James has long expressed a desire to share the floor with his son, and it appears he won't have to wait too long.
Lakers' LeBron James 'So Damn Proud' of Son Bronny After Commitment to USC
May 7, 2023
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 28: Bronny James #6 of the West team talks to Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2023 McDonald's High School Boys All-American Game at Toyota Center on March 28, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)
LeBron James turned pro right out of high school and took the NBA by storm, going on to become the league's all-time leading scorer and one of the greatest to ever lace them up.
Now, his son, Bronny, is taking a different route to the pros after he committed to play at USC on Saturday afternoon, sending shockwaves throughout the college hoops community.
And LeBron couldn't have been happier to see his son building his own legacy.
"So damn proud of you kid," James wrote in an Instagram post following Bronny's commitment. "I have no words besides I LOVE YOU."
He also took a moment to shoutout Bronny after his playoff win over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night in Game 3 during an interview with Spectrum Sports Net.
"It's a proud moment to see my son go to college," he said. "He's the first one to go to college in my family... I'll take this cherry on top with this dub."
"It's a proud moment to see my son go to college. He's the first one to go to college in my family... I'll take this cherry on top with this dub." @KingJames with @LakersReporter on tonight's win and Bronny committing to USC. pic.twitter.com/dEXnrwdYPz
Bronny is the No. 21 player in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports' composite rating. And LeBron has always been firm on wanting to play with his son if he ends up making it to the NBA, even if it's not on the same team.
LeBron, 38, is wrapping up his 20th season in the league and will need to play at least two more if he wants to accomplish his dream of sharing an NBA court with Bronny.
In his senior season, Bronny averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals during the regular season at Sierra Canyon.
He joins a recruiting class that includes the No. 1 player in the class of 2023 in point guard Isaiah Collier.
In his 2024 NBA mock draft back in February, ESPN's Jonathan Givony projected Bronny to go No. 10 overall to the Orlando Magic.
Bronny James' Commitment to USC Hailed by Twitter as 'Perfect Fit' for LeBron's Son
May 6, 2023
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 28: Bronny James #6 of McDonald's All American Boys West is seen before the McDonalds All American Basketball Games at Toyota Center on March 28, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Bronny James is staying close to home for college after announcing he will play basketball for USC this fall.
The son of LeBron James has lived in Los Angeles for a significant portion of his life, so it's not a surprise he would want to stay in that area. It also makes financial sense to take advantage of NIL opportunities in Southern California.
Per On3.com, Bronny James is, by far, the most valuable NIL athlete with a $5.9 million valuation. LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne ranks second at $3.4 million.
The only other men's basketball player in the top 10 is Hansel Emmanuel at No. 9 with $1.4 million. LSU women's star Angel Reese rounds out the top 10, also with $1.4 million.
As for the basketball side of this equation, fans and analysts are calling this a "perfect fit" between James and USC:
This always seemed like the perfect fit.
LeBron has made no secret he wants to play with Bronny.
Now has him close by, so can make sure he can not only see Bronny - but also aid in the effort for Bronny to be 1-and-done. https://t.co/DIJWGrZrvq
I thought this was the best fit for Bronny ahead of the decision… he’ll be a god on campus next year! Can’t wait to watch him hoop in the NCAA! https://t.co/SN48GMVm4m
The addition of James in the 2023 recruiting class is yet another win for USC head coach Andy Enfield. He's done a fantastic job rebuilding this program over the past 10 years.
Since winning a total of 23 games in his first two seasons combined, the Trojans have won at least 20 games in seven of the past eight years. They have made the NCAA tournament in each of the previous three seasons, their longest streak since 2007 to '09.
James and Isaiah Collier give USC two of the top 21 recruits in the 2023 class, per 247Sports. This duo playing together could completely transform the Trojans' place in the Pac-12 hierarchy next season.
Bronny gets to stay close to an environment that he's very comfortable with as he looks to keep progressing as a basketball player and businessman.
Even though it would have been a fun story to have James play at Ohio State—one of the other schools he was considering—after LeBron won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, USC always made the most sense for him.
Now that James has officially picked the Trojans, the stage is set for him to show what he can do in the college ranks.
Bronny James' Latest NIL Valuation After Committing to USC over OSU, Oregon
May 6, 2023
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 8: Bronny James #6 of Team USA looks on during the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit on April 8, 2023 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
As one of the most iconic brands in college sports, USC has had some pretty legendary names don the cardinal and gold.
But Bronny James has the potential to be the biggest name to ever play for the program after he committed to the Trojans over the likes of Ohio State and Oregon on Saturday.
Bronny, the son of NBA superstar and all-time leading scorer LeBron James, is a 5-star prospect and the No. 21 overall player in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports' composite ranking.
The 18-year-old stands to make a lot of money, as his NIL valuation is currently at $5.9 million, according to On3's NIL 100.
It's the largest valuation of any college athlete by $2.5 million.
The two closest athletes to James are LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne ($3.4 million) and USC quarterback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams ($2.6 million).
James caused a lot of suspense as he held his commitment until nearly the last minute.
Ranked as the no. 6 combo guard in the country, Bronny is known for his efforts on both ends of the floor as he was a defensive menace for Sierra Canyon in Los Angeles.
He averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.8 steals during the regular season of his senior year.
James joins an already impressive roster for USC that includes the No. 1 overall player in the class of 2023 in point guard Isaiah Collier.
Bronny James, Son of Lakers Star LeBron James, Commits to USC over Oregon, OSU
May 6, 2023
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 11: Bronny James #0 of the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers reacts during the Hoophall West tournament against the Perry Pumas at Footprint Center on December 11, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Bronny James has made his decision.
The son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James committed to USC on Saturday.
Fans will get a chance to see him in action for the first time on Nov. 6 at T-Mobile Arena, according to Jeff Goodman of Stadium.
Because of his family name, Bronny's on-court exploits in high school were bound to be closely followed. But it didn't take long for evaluators to see the 6'3" guard was more than just hype.
The 18-year-old is the No. 21 overall player and No. 5 combo guard in 247Sports' composite rankings for the 2023 class.
Eric Bossi of 247Sports evaluated the Sierra Canyon star last February:
"Slowly but surely, Bronny James is starting to come into his own as a player on a loaded Sierra Canyon team. James' 6-foot-3 frame has filled out nicely and he's added some pop on drives to the rim through traffic or in transition. One of his strengths is his ability to make catch and shoot jump shots and he is a fantastic passer. James gives good effort on the defensive end where he plays with toughness and versatility. There are times where he can be a bit passive on the offensive end, but overall he has made positive strides as a junior."
James tore his meniscus in February 2021, but upon returning to the floor, he didn't lose a step and reasserted why he was considered a blue-chip recruit.
Beyond the physical gifts you'd expect from somebody whose father is an 18-time NBA All-Star, he has displayed a strong understanding of the nuances of the game that come with practice and repetition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91OX2G6BP5o
James also seems to have inherited his father's innate vision and playmaking sense. ESPN's Paul Biancardi wrote last August about how the youngster "can help his team even when his shot-making is off."
"The game has slowed down for him, as James is able to compete with intensity, make sound decisions under pressure and produce against high-level competition," he wrote.
By February, James had climbed into the top of the 2024 NBA draft board for ESPN's Jonathan Givony with how much his game had developed:
As most of his peers have flatlined the past 12 to 18 months, James has grown, filled out his frame, found another gear with his explosiveness and become an absolute terror off the ball defensively thanks to his outstanding intensity and feel for the game. He still has plenty of room to improve his ballhandling and pull-up jumper to become a more prolific and efficient shot creator, but he has already caught the eyes of NBA decision-makers with the way he contributes to winning and likely will continue to grow and fill out his game.
Being the son of LeBron James obviously comes with benefits and drawbacks, the latter of which includes increased scrutiny and expectations. Bronny has yet to wilt under the spotlight, something coaches at the college and pro levels have noticed.
Nobody should expect him to be as good as his father because that's a burden no player should carry. But he certainly possesses all of the tools to be a difference-maker for USC.
Considering LeBron has expressed a desire to play alongside his son in the NBA, where Bronny sits in the 2024 draft class is bound to be a subject of frequent debate in the months to come.
In March 2022, USC extended Andy Enfield's contract through the 2027-28 season, which came on the heels of three straight 20-win seasons and trips to the NCAA tournament.
The 53-year-old has turned the Trojans back into a consistent winner, and James' commitment underscores how he can sell his vision to the kind of recruits who will get the program to the next level.
Boogie Ellis' No-Show in USC's March Madness Loss to Michigan State Has Fans Stunned
Mar 17, 2023
COLUMBUS, OHIO - MARCH 17: Head coach Andy Enfield of the USC Trojans talks with Boogie Ellis #5 against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half in the first round game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 17, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
No. 7 Michigan State ousted No. 10 USC in the first round of the 2023 NCAA men's basketball tournament on Friday by a 72-62 score, and a poor showing by Trojans star guard Boogie Ellis was a big reason why.
Ellis, who entered the game as USC's leading scorer this season with 18.0 points per contest, struggled through one of his worst performances of the year.
After averaging 24.2 points per game in his previous seven outings, Ellis was held to just six points on 3-of-12 shooting to go along with six rebounds and five assists.
Watch March Madness Live to stream every tournament game through the Final Four.
With Ellis finishing a disappointing fifth on the team in scoring on Friday, many Twitter users criticized his play:
Although it was far from Ellis' best game, head coach Tom Izzo's Spartans deserve a great deal of credit for playing lockdown defense.
No Trojans player finished with more than 14 points, and USC shot only 41.4 percent from the field, compared to 48. 1 percent for MSU.
The Spartans also forced 11 turnovers and managed to do it cleanly, as USC attempted only eight free throws in the entire game.
Michigan State had four of its five starters score in double figures, and it was led by forward Joey Hauser. The brother of Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser had a team-high 17 points and eight rebounds in the win.
While head coach Andy Enfield and the Trojans are heading home after a first-round exit for the second successive year, Michigan State will move on to the second round to face the winner of No. 2 Marquette vs. No. 15 Vermont.
Watch March Madness Live to stream every tournament game through the Final Four.
NLRB Pursuing Charges of Unfair Labor Practices Against USC, NCAA, Pac-12
Dec 15, 2022
PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: A high angle view of the Pac-12 logo on the field of Stanford Stadium before a Pac-12 college football game between the USC Trojans and the Stanford Cardinal played on September 10, 2022 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)
The National Labor Relations Board's Los Angeles region has ruled in favor of USC football and basketball players seeking legal employment recognition, per Daniel Libit of Sportico.
The National College Players Association filed an unfair labor practice charge against USC, the Pac-12 and the NCAA on behalf of the athletes, and the NLRB found "merit" in it in Thursday's ruling.
NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo said in a statement that all three bodies have "maintained unlawful rules and unlawfully misclassified scholarship basketball and football players as mere 'student-athletes' rather than employees entitled to protections under our law."
NCPA Executive Director Ramogi Huma said, "Gaining employee status and the right to organize is an important part in ending NCAA sports business practices that illegally exploit college athletes' labor."
Huma previously helped lead a unionization effort by Northwestern athletes.
While the NLRB's Chicago region ruled in 2014 that Northwestern football players should be considered employees, the national NLRB board declined to assert jurisdiction. Per Libit, though, it would have to assert jurisdiction with this case since it came through an unfair labor practices charge.
Barring a settlement, this case will go before an administrative law judge. Any findings from the judge can be appealed to the national NLRB board.
Thursday's ruling comes after the NCAA announced that Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker will take over for the departing Mark Emmert as the organization's president March 1.
It is a new era for college sports thanks to name, image and likeness rules that allow athletes to make money, and Baker will be juggling how to proceed under such a system.
Thursday's ruling in regards to USC could be another challenge for the NCAA.
Baker has a background in politics, and Nicole Auerbach of The Athletic reported those involved in the search saw him as "uniquely suited to the NCAA's present needs" because of a track record of "successfully forging bipartisan solutions to complex problems."
There will likely need to be a number of solutions reached as the NIL era continues, and Thursday's ruling could create another situation that has to be navigated by all sides.
