Bronny James’ decision on where he would go to college was one of the most highly-scrutinized topics in all of recruiting last year.
While the mania surrounding Bronny’s future didn’t quite reach Arch Manning levels (never forget, a video of Arch in bed with some blonde offering her a fake commitment nearly melted the internet), it was still pretty nuts.
Eventually, Bronny settled on USC. And after some scary health issues that threatened his freshman campaign, he eventually suited up for the Trojans earlier this month.
Since then, it has been radio silent regarding Bronny. Why? Primarily because neither he nor USC have been particularly impressive thus far. The Trojans are 6-5 through 11 games and Bronny is putting up 5 points per game on 33.3 percent shooting in 16 minutes per outing.
According to Luca Evans of the Orange County Register, Bronny’s early-season woes shouldn’t come as a huge shock to anyone.
“James was never going to put up dominant scoring numbers on this USC team,” he wrote.
“Part of it is the needed recovery time from, you know, heart surgery. But as said by radio host Big Boy – father of former Sierra Canyon teammate Jayden Alexander – James was ‘a star that knew how to play team ball in high school.’
“His best profile to contribute, as a Trojan, would be as a 3-and-D guard who could occasionally create his own shots in transition and pick-and-rolls. Still, though, he hasn’t quite fit that profile through three games since a much-hyped return,” Evans continued.
“James has averaged five points per game, shooting 33% from the floor; he’s been solid defensively, but the offense has been slower. Once he’s fully in game shape, USC needs him to be more assertive as a scorer and take closer to 10 shots per night.”
Bronny is one of the most mentally-resilient players in this year’s freshman class. He has had the eyes and pressure of the world on him since junior high and has never waivered.
The media follows him around on dates, scrutinize his girlfriend and assails his game regularly. Yet, through it all – he remains unflappable.
Olivia Culpo’s Video For 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey Goes Viral: https://t.co/ur6Y3DHUCt
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 28, 2023
In that respect, Evans is right – Bronny will eventually figure it out.
Currently neither he nor the Trojans are particularly impressive. But sooner rather than later that will change.
Bronny is a winner. Eventually he will make his mark on USC – and it will likely happen sooner than anyone thinks.
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A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
