Excited basketball fans were happy to see University of Southern Carolina freshman Bronny James hit the court on Oct. 19.
Bronny took to the basketball court, showing off dance moves during the introduction of the Trojans on opening night. But, they will have to wait a little longer to see him playing basketball as he is still recovering from his cardiac arrest.
The crowd roared as the announcer introduced him,
and as he came out wearing his No. 6 jersey, he pleased the crowd even more when he did the “Dougie” as he strolled on the basketball court. Across the back of his jersey read James Jr., as he’s named after his future NBA Hall of Fame father, LeBron James, although everyone calls him Bronny.
Last month, the freshman did not participate
in the team’s first official fall practice. He has been recovering after suffering a cardiac arrest on July 24. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where it was revealed that a congenital heart defect was the probable cause of it. The diagnosis was that he is expected to recover fully, allowing him to return to the court, although no timetable has been set.USC’s coach Andy Enfield told reporters that Bronny is “doing very well.”
“We anticipate him being a precious part of our basketball team,” Enfield said. “But that’ll be all sorted out. He’s the ultimate teammate because he cares about winning, and he has such a personal relationship with all his teammates. When you watch him on the court, and you’re around them, that’s the first thing you notice within five or 10 minutes — and it’s contagious.”
Bronny has yet to play a game but has already impacted the university considerably. Nike released T-shirts with his name and number, and the $30 shirts sold out quickly.