Despite an unsuccessful freshman campaign, USC wing Bronny James declared for the 2024 NBA Draft anyways. At the time, he left the door open for a return to college, as well as a potential transfer. However, in an interview with Big Ten basketball analyst Robbie Hummel on SiriusXM NBA Radio, James confirms that he’ll be staying in draft.
“I always want to end up where I’m happy most,” James says.
“It’s tough. A lot of criticism gets thrown my way”
🔊Bronny James explains what it’s like being the son of an all-time great@RobbieHummel | @BronnyJamesJr pic.twitter.com/DOsUpLSaIa
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) May 20, 2024
“Mom has always told me, ‘(Go) where my heart wants me to be.’ And I just found happiness in what I’m doing right now and I feel like (the NBA’s) where I want myself to be at.”
Bronny James Reveals Reason for Going Pro
James’ decision to play basketball wasn’t predetermined. The gravity of his father’s greatness undoubtedly pulled him towards that ridged orange moon, but his parents didn’t force him to play. Early in his life, James even had an interest in soccer, the world’s most popular sport.
However, once he realized basketball was his “cup of tea,” there was no way he’d be able to escape the LeBron comparisons. This is a part of his journey that he admits has been tough, as he hears a constant stream of criticism. Never mind that James’ first two years of high school, and thus his development, were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Forget that James suffered sudden cardiac arrest just ahead of the 2023-24 season.
No, James has one bar to meet; one reminiscent of a highly popular rap bar. He has to ‘do right and kill everything.’ Anything less than that and the wolves are at his front door.
Unfortunately for James, he’s not a player that’ll try to put a team on his back. That’s the type of prospect that people want him to be. Yet, James wants to be the guy who impacts a game with his defense, passing, and basketball IQ. His focus isn’t and has never been on scoring.
Frankly, that’s the type of mindset one should expect from one of LeBron James’s sons. For them to play ‘the right way,’ an idiom that LeBron himself made popular.
It’s All About Him
Bronny may not always have been happy about the path he chose. There are sure to have been some dark days with so many people doubting him or wanting him to fail. There will be even more ahead thanks to social media’s troll culture. However, the fact that he feels like he made the correct choice by declaring for the draft means that he truly believes in his potential.
Nobody has said it yet, but that’s really all that matters.
Not what the media, scouts, or executives think, as each of those parties has missed the mark before. The fact that players like Nikola Jokic and Jalen Brunson were second-round picks is evidence of that.
Fun fact: The two leading scorers this postseason were second round picks. pic.twitter.com/BiZfDA2Fri
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 17, 2024
Though they provide him with a tremendous support system, even what his family and friends think of his potential is irrelevant. Bronny’s self-confidence, self-assurance, and determination are going to be the three biggest determinants of his success.
When times get rough or he needs training, he’ll undoubtedly lean on them. However, they can’t play for him. They can’t train for him. They can’t believe in him for him. He’ll have to do all that for himself.
That said, while every player might have a ceiling, those that put in the work usually exceed expectations. Now that he’s in the place where he feels like he belongs, it’s Bronny’s turn to do the same.
