Current:Home > MyUSC's Bronny James cleared to return to basketball 4 months after cardiac arrest -AlphaFinance Experts
USC's Bronny James cleared to return to basketball 4 months after cardiac arrest
View
Date:2025-04-27 21:16:40
Bronny James has been cleared by doctors for a full return to basketball four months after suffering a cardiac arrest, and the Southern California freshman is expected to make his collegiate debut soon.
A James family spokesperson said in a statement Thursday that the 19-year-old will have a final evaluation with USC staff this week and resume practice next week. He will be able to play in games "soon after," it said.
"What soon means, I don't know," coach Andy Enfield said after USC's win over Eastern Washington on Wednesday night. "It's not my decision."
James didn't participate in pregame warmups and he didn't join his teammates on the bench until late in the first half of their 106-78 rout. He joked and smiled with the other reserves and he stood at the rear of the huddles during timeouts.
The Trojans (5-2) play No. 11 Gonzaga in Las Vegas on Saturday. Their next home game is Dec. 10 against Long Beach State, a day the Los Angeles Lakers are off, which could allow LeBron James to watch his namesake son's debut. After that, the Trojans hit the road for four straight games.
USC fell out of the AP Top 25 poll this week after a two-point loss to Oklahoma last week.
"We didn't anticipate half our team being hurt for the first 2 1/2 to 3 weeks of the season," Enfield said, citing injuries to Boogie Ellis and Kobe Johnson. "Bronny's been out and we have no guards left, we have very limited guards."
While James will be a welcome addition to USC's rotation, he'll need time to acclimate to game action. He has been on the court for pregame warmups twice in recent weeks, doing some rebounding and taking shots but also watching his teammates. He's also been at practices.
James need look no further than teammate Vincent Iwuchukwu for inspiration. The 7-foot-1 sophomore suffered a cardiac arrest in July 2022. He began limited practice last December and made his debut in January. He played in 14 games last season, averaging 5.4 points and 2.5 rebounds.
Iwuchukwu was the top player off the bench Wednesday night, with 13 points, six rebounds and two blocks.
A congenital heart defect was likely responsible for the cardiac arrest which Bronny James — the oldest son of NBA superstar LeBron James — suffered during practice at the Galen Center on the LA campus of the University of Southern California in July, his family announced.
The American Heart Association said cardiac arrest happens when the "heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly." It is rare among youth athletes, but it does happen and is the leading cause of death among young athletes.
James was a McDonald's All-American just like his father. The 6-foot-3 guard played at Sierra Canyon School in the Chatsworth section of Los Angeles and chose to stay close to home in picking USC.
In October, LeBron James gave a promising update, saying that Bronny was progressing in his rehabilitation.
"Bronny is doing extremely well," James said. "He has begun his rehab process to get back on the floor this season with his teammates at USC. (With) the successful surgery that he had, he's on the up-and-up. It's definitely a whirlwind, a lot of emotions for our family this summer. But the best thing we have is each other."
At the time, Bronny was attending classes at USC and spending time with teammates, getting back to full strength.
- In:
- Sports
- College Basketball
- LeBron James
- Long Beach
- Heart Disease
veryGood! (267)
Related
- Jury selection set for Monday for ex-politician accused of killing Las Vegas investigative reporter
- Noah Lyles doubles down on belief he’s fastest man in the world: 'It's me'
- Trump gunman spotted 90 minutes before shooting, texts show; SWAT team speaks
- Why Fans Think Pregnant Katherine Schwarzenegger Hinted at Sex of Baby No. 3
- Judge says Mexican ex-official tried to bribe inmates in a bid for new US drug trial
- Oprah addresses Gayle King affair rumors: 'People used to say we were gay'
- 'The Penguin' debuts new trailer, Colin Farrell will return for 'Batman 2'
- Canada appeals Olympic women's soccer spying penalty, decision expected Wednesday
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- Want to earn extra money through a side hustle? Here's why 1 in 3 Americans do it.
Ranking
- Louisiana high court temporarily removes Judge Eboni Johnson Rose from Baton Rouge bench amid probe
- Want to earn extra money through a side hustle? Here's why 1 in 3 Americans do it.
- Sliding out of summer: Many US schools are underway as others have weeks of vacation left
- Pennsylvania man arrested after breaking into electrical vault in Connecticut state office building
- Video shows dog chewing cellphone battery pack, igniting fire in Oklahoma home
- 9 Self-Tanners to Help Make Your Summer Tan Last
- What's in the box Olympic medal winners get? What else medalists get for winning
- MLB power rankings: Top-ranked teams flop into baseball's trade deadline
Recommendation
Report: Lauri Markkanen signs 5-year, $238 million extension with Utah Jazz
Sliding out of summer: Many US schools are underway as others have weeks of vacation left
Olympic medals today: What is the medal count at 2024 Paris Games on Monday?
'Deadpool & Wolverine' pulverizes a slew of records with $205M opening
The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Bachelor Nation’s Victoria Fuller Dating NFL Star Will Levis After Greg Grippo Breakup
Johnny Depp pays tribute to late 'Pirates of the Caribbean' actor Tamayo Perry
Is USA's Kevin Durant the greatest Olympic basketball player ever? Let's discuss