LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James’ eldest son, Bruni, has said he will play basketball at USC in the fall.
Broni James suddenly announced his long-awaited decision on social media Saturday, about two hours before his father’s Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the second-round series.
18-year-old James was a McDonald’s All-American just like his dad, but the 6-foot-3 guard was among a few non-committal high school basketball prospects heading into the summer. The namesake son of the leading scorer in NBA history played at Sierra Canyon School, which is best known for educating the scion of the sports and entertainment industries in Chatsworth, an outdoor neighborhood in the Los Angeles suburbs.
Bronny James announced his decision by writing the Trojans’ school slogan, “Fight On,” below a photo of him wearing his high school uniform in the Trojans’ locker room at the Galen Center.
James and his Sierra Canyon team played in the arena this past January, defeating a team from Wheeler High School in Georgia led by elite recruit Isaiah Collier — who is now James’ teammate at USC.
“So damn proud of you kid!” LeBron James wrote on Instagram Before his preparations before the game with the Lakers. “I have no words other than I love you (in) Bruni!!! Let’s go!!!!!!!”
After choosing to stay close to home to attend college, Bronny James will join the Trojans’ already loaded roster following their third straight NCAA Tournament appearance for the school under head coach Andy Enfield.
Several key contributors to last season’s team return, led by star guard Bogie Ellis, who led the Trojans with 17.7 points per game. USC will also have Collier, who is a point guard and one of the best recruits overall in his current high school class.
“Welcome to the family,” Ellis tweeted to Bronney.
Many recruit observers wondered if USC’s strong roster at guard would dissuade Bronie James from staying in Los Angeles for college, possibly directing him toward Oregon, Ohio or an alternative to higher education. Instead, the son of a four-time NBA champion and four-time major league champion hasn’t backed down from the challenge of contributing to USC’s current push to national prominence.
Bronny James is one of the best prospects in the country at guard position, with playmaking skills, a set shot, and perimeter defense that could be of immediate value to the Trojans.
The younger James’ full name is LeBron James Jr. but he is better known by his family name. His younger brother, 15-year-old Bryce, is also a member of the Sierra Canyon elite team.
LeBron James said he would have played at Ohio State had he not gone straight to the NBA in 2003. He has been an active and supportive father to his sons basketball dreams, even amid the demands of a pro career now in Season 20. The elder James has also repeatedly stated his desire to play in the NBA alongside Bruni, though, the logistics of making such a dream come true would be daunting.
Last month, James spent the Saturday between Lakers games 81 and 82 of the regular season traveling back and forth to Portland. James made the one-day trip with his mom, wife, and kids Bryce and Zuri to watch Bruni play at the Nike Hoop Summit for Team USA.
“I won’t miss it,” said James. “I understand how important fatherhood is, just coming from a fatherless family. … We always try to support each other in all our endeavors. I’m only as good as my family.”
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