Bronny James will enter the NBA draft after one season in Southern California, which was shortened due to his recovery from cardiac arrest.
The 19-year-old son of LeBron James announced this on his Instagram account on Friday that he also plans to maintain his college eligibility and will enter the transfer portal.
“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs, but everything has contributed to my growth as a man, student and athlete,” James wrote.
James made his decision hours before USC was set to introduce Eric Musselman as its new coach. He replaces Andy Enfield, who left Monday to become coach at SMU.
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“Bronny is his own man,” the eldest James said this week. “He has to make some tough decisions. When he’s ready to make those decisions, he’ll let us all know. But as his family, we are going to support everything he does.”
James averaged 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds while starting six of 25 games for the Trojans. He shot 37% from the field, 27% from three-point range and 68% from the free throw line.
The elder James, his wife and their 9-year-old daughter were frequent spectators on the court at the Galen Center this season.
The 39-year-old James has expressed that he wants to play in the NBA with his son.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who represents father and son, recently said he “doesn’t value a young player hitting the lottery as much as I get him on the right team in the right development situation.”
James, a 6-foot-1 combo guard, didn’t make his college debut until Dec. 10. Afterwards, James appeared before the media for less than a minute to thank the doctors, athletic trainers and support system that helped him return to playing.
Despite numerous requests, James never spoke to reporters during the season.
He went into cardiac arrest on July 20 while training at the Galen Center. He turned out to have a congenital heart defect that was treatable.