After failing to make March Madness, no one what will come next for Bronny James.
Despite a disappointing freshman campaign for the USC Trojans, the former McDonald’s All-American could still potentially decide to turn pro and declare for the 2024 NBA Draft. Or if he wants to continue his development, he could stay in college and potentially improve his draft stock.
His decision just got a new wrinkle, though, as USC’s head coach Andy Enfield will reportedly take over as the head coach for the SMU Mustangs. It’s unclear what that means for Bronny’s future with the team and he has plenty of time to weigh all of his options.
But one path is to look into the transfer portal, which is already getting utilized by notable USC players like Kobe Johnson. If he were to decide to stay in the NCAA but change schools, there is one school that makes more sense than people may initially anticipate.
It is Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, a team coming off an appearance (and an upset victory!) in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament.
Duquesne was coached by Keith Dambrot, who coached Bronny’s father LeBron James at St. Vincent – St. Mary in high school. Dru Joyce III, the associate head coach of the team, was LeBron’s high school teammate. Joyce’s father, Dru Joyce II, also coached LeBron in high school.
Dambrot announced his plans to retire at the end of the season and Joyce III is expected to take over as the new head coach of the program.
RELATED: How LeBron James became Duquesne’s biggest fan during March Madness (hint: their coaches)
LeBron, who provided sneakers for Duquesne’s basketball team before March Madness, has clear intentions to play alongside his son in the NBA. So there is still a strong chance Bronny decides to turn pro.
It also means a lot to LeBron and his family to have Bronny play nearby in Los Angeles at USC. Perhaps there is a late change of plans and something unforeseen happens, like Joyce III unexpectedly getting an opportunity to take over as head coach of the Trojans.
However, the low chances of Bronny playing college basketball in Pittsburgh next season suddenly seems a lot more realistic today than it did yesterday.
