After a difficult Freshman campaign at USC with the Trojans, where he only averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on 36.6% shooting from the field, it seems Bronny James will be leaving to join the NCAA transfer portal. With so much speculation around Bronny and his father, LeBron James, receiving questions about it, it only makes sense to narrow down the youngster’s five best options.
It might be reasonable that Bronny needs to refine his game in college for a few more years before deciding to declare for the NBA Draft. Some players need more time to develop than others and Bronny clearly has the backing of LeBron James who might be able to get him in the door of any college he wants to go to. With all the resources in the world to succeed, here are the five best destinations for Bronny James who is leaving USC with a chance to hone his skills somewhere else.
1. Ohio State
Bronny James might consider returning to his Ohio roots by joining the state’s premier college program, the Buckeyes. Ohio State would likely embrace James’ star appeal and local connections, raising questions about whether he could earn a spot in the starting lineup with enhanced performance. While Bronny’s spot in the starting lineup won’t be guaranteed, being in his hometown could prove beneficial.
At the same time, it would be a feel-good story about Bronny and his family. His father famously pledged loyalty to Ohio and was drafted No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003. A chance to follow his father’s footsteps and make a name for an Ohio-based basketball team would do him wonders as he looks to develop into a capable NBA player one day.
2. Duke
Although Bronny James might initially serve as a role player at Duke, a potential connection between the James family and Durham, North Carolina, adds an intriguing layer, especially considering LeBron James’ near-college stint there. Perhaps Bronny needs to be in a more strict environment that fosters elite-level talent in order to raise his game. Oftentimes, a major push could make a player better.
While the likelihood of this move remains uncertain due to playing time considerations, it’s plausible that discussions between the two parties could take place. There have been superstar players who have originated from Duke and that list includes Grant Hill, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving, and Zion Williamson. Bronny could be a player to join those ranks as he develops his game under head coach Jon Scheyer who recently took over from Mike Krzyzewski.
3. Kentucky
With the renowned head coach John Calipari still leading the way, the University of Kentucky emerges as a very strong option for Bronny. The school boasts an impressive track record of producing NBA talent, with 28 former Wildcats on NBA rosters this season. With the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Devin Booker, Anthony Davis, and Karl-Anthony Towns being successful All-Star players, it’s evident why numerous top recruits gravitate towards Kentucky.
Bronny could be the next in the lineage of well-developed stars. Devin Booker leads the line of shooting guards coming out of Kentucky, followed by Tyler Herro, Malik Monk, Keldon Johnson, and Shaedon Sharpe while point guards including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De’Aaron Fox, Jamal Murray, and Tyrese Maxey have found success. Bronny can be molded into a combo guard and it could be the best situation for him.
4. UCLA
Bronny James could lean towards staying in Los Angeles, especially given his father’s tenure with the Lakers (assuming LeBron remains with the team for at least two more seasons). UCLA, once a dominant force in college basketball, remains an enticing option despite recent setbacks. While the Bruins boast a prestigious legacy and a prime location, the coaching shift under Mick Cronin, prioritizing defense over NBA draft development, adds an element of uncertainty to their standing among potential destinations.
Current NBA players coming out of UCLA include Russell Westbrook, who developed his game and went on to win MVP in the league while making over $300 million in earnings. Other players include Jrue Holiday and Zach LaVine, two players who had strong bases in all-around play and went on to have successful careers. Bronny James could be the next “savior” for UCLA while remaining close to Los Angeles to try to follow his father’s footsteps.
5. Oregon
While Bronny James initially chose USC over Oregon, the Ducks could emerge as a top contender once the prospect firmly makes up his mind on his future. Oregon’s partnership with Nike, especially given LeBron’s association with the brand, could offer significant advantages for his career outside of basketball. Not to mention, this could give Bronny plenty of benefits by earning minutes and becoming a future star of the show in Oregon.
Additionally, the opportunity for Bronny to secure consistent playing time with the Ducks could make them the frontrunners for his services because they could use a player who can space the floor and also act as a playmaker. Their highest scorer this season was N’Faly Dante (17.0 PPG), who occupies the center position, so Bronny joining Oregon could be beneficial to both parties.
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