Bronny James expected to leave USC, enter NCAA transfer portal: report

James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists over 25 games

Bronny James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, plans to enter the NCAA's transfer portal after one season at USC, according to basketball journalist Dick Weiss.

James’ expected departure from the Trojans comes after Andy Enfield, the team’s head coach, took the same job at SMU. Enfield had been USC’s head coach 11 seasons. 

The Trojans finished 15-18 (8-12 in Pac-12 play) this season and didn’t earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament despite their talent. 

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Bronny James makes a pass

USC guard Bronny James, left, passes the ball as his father LeBron James, right, watches during the second half of a game against Long Beach State Dec. 10, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

James played 25 games, earning six starts, in his true freshman season. He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists, while shooting 36.6% from the field. 

James missed the first eight games of the season for the Trojans after a sudden cardiac arrest in July during the team’s offseason workouts. He played with a minutes restriction once he returned. 

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He made his debut against Long Beach State and dropped four points with three rebounds, two assists and two steals. James also looked just like his father on a blocked shot, chasing down his opponent from behind to swat it away. 

Bronny James defended

Southern California guard Bronny James, left, tries to get by Long Beach State guard Jadon Jones during the first half of a game Dec. 10, 2023, in Los Angeles.  (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The expectations have been high for James since his high school days at Sierra Canyon in Los Angeles. He came out of high school a four-star recruit, and On3 had him ranked No. 25 in the country for his 2023 class. 

There was speculation James would declare for the NBA Draft following his freshman season if all went well. 

Bronny James vs UCLA

USC Trojans guard Bronny James during a game against the UCLA Bruins Feb. 24, 2024, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles.  (Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

James still hasn't made his intentions known, though entering the transfer portal could point to him wanting to get a fresh start somewhere else in college. 

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

Authored by Scott Thompson via FoxNews April 2nd 2024