Las Vegas • Southern California basketball coach Andy Enfield says Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA superstar LeBron James, is “doing well” nearly three months after suffering a cardiac arrest while participating in an on-campus workout.
The coach did not provide any other details about James’ recovery during Pac-12 media day in Las Vegas on Wednesday.
“At the appropriate time, the James family will likely provide an update on Bronny’s condition,” Enfield said. “But for now, we respect the privacy of the medical condition and look forward to the near future and go from there.”
On July 24, 18-year-old James suffered a cardiac arrest while the team was conducting offseason training in preparation for a two-week trip to Europe. Just over a year ago, 7-foot USC freshman Vincent Iwuchukwu fell during a practice. Iwuchukwu returned to play for the Trojans in the second half of the season.
LeBron James said last week that his son is recovering and hopes to play for the Trojans this season.
Bronny James’ return to the court has inspired his teammates.
“First of all, wish him the best,” USC guard Kobe Johnson said. “I think he can make an impact whether he plays or not. I think if he’s in practice every day and just being around the guys and being with us and still building the chemistry of the team, I think that’s going to be great for us. is huge. Even though he may or may not play with us or do what he wants to do, he’s still going to be there for us and we’re going to need that support all season long. Knowing that he’s continuing to heal and get better Strong, this is the only thing we can pray for.”
USC isn’t the only place where players are motivated by James’ determination to return.
“When you play basketball, you never know what’s going to happen,” Arizona State point guard Frankie Collins said. “So when you go out, you try to treat every day like it’s your last day to play basketball and never touch the ball again. “This is the game we love, this is the game we love to play, this is We love playing games, it’s our passion. “
USC fans got their first look at James in a Trojans uniform on the program’s official social media account. In one photo, James looks focused, eyes fixed on a basketball he’s tossing in front of him. The school said James will appear in the team introduction video this season. The USC season ends on November 9th when the Trojans host Cal State Bakersfield.
“I can’t imagine what these families have been through,” Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said. “It hit home because that could have been any one of us. What Andy had to go through back-to-back years, I can’t even fathom. When someone pulls an ankle or dislocates a finger, I feel bad. Hats off to them, their medical staff, coaching staff and players because they’ve been through a lot. “I don’t know Bronny personally, but I’ve heard he’s a kid with great character and a great teammate, great guy . “
James isn’t the only athlete in the USC basketball program recovering from trauma. On the women’s side, Aaliyah Gayles has recovered from multiple gunshot wounds and emergency surgery in 2022.
“This time last year, Aaliyah was just learning to walk again and she was settling into her daily routine,” coach Lindsay Gottlieb said Tuesday. “It’s incredible to see the impact she’s had on our team and now that she’s fully recovered, she’s training at full strength, which is unbelievable. “It’s nothing short of miraculous. “
Like James, Gales’ energy and toughness helped strengthen the team’s camaraderie.
“I remember there were times earlier in the summer where I felt like my tank was empty, I didn’t have any more, and I would look at AG and I’d think, ‘Oh my gosh, if she can do that,'” Nan Cal forward Raya Marshall said. “She came over to inspire me and she told me, ‘Ray, there seems to be no limit to where you can go, where you can go.'”