Bronny James, the son of future NBA Hall of Famer LeBron James, made his basketball debut for the University of Southern California on Sunday after suffering a cardiac arrest in July.
Per CBS Sports, the freshman, who was expected to play on a minutes restriction basis, had four points, three rebounds, two assists, and a block after 16 minutes of game time. His father was also courtside to cheer him on. But their opponents, Long Beach State, won the game by 84-79 after overtime.
“I just wanted to say I’m thankful for everything,” said Bronny after the game. “(From) The Mayo Clinic and everything they helped me with, my parents and siblings 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 and other coaches.”
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The 19-year-old’s superstar father, however, did not address reporters after the game. “Bronny handles the spotlight extremely well,” USC coach Andy Enfield said. “He’s a passionate young man about playing basketball. I’m not sure what will happen in the future as far as spotlight, but he handles it very well.”
As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Bronny suffered a cardiac arrest during a workout at USC. Sources told TMZ in the wake of the incident that the 19-year-old was unconscious when he was transported from USC’s Galen Center to the hospital. The location is where the University of Southern California plays and trains.
Bronny and the USC’s next game is against Auburn on December 17. But the number of minutes he’ll earn in the subsequent games is unclear.
“We will continue to monitor that, that’s not my decision,” said Enfield. “He played his restriction tonight, his minutes restriction, and I thought he played well in those minutes.”
Bronny was a rising basketball prospect during his high school days at Sierra Canyon. His father has also previously spoken about his desire to play with him in the NBA.
“My last year will be played with my son,” James told The Athletic in an interview said. “Wherever Bronny is at, that’s where I’ll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It’s not about the money at that point.”
