USC freshman Bronny James will forfeit his remaining college eligibility and keep his name in the 2024 NBA Draft. Rich Paul, CEO of Klutch Sports and James’ agent, confirmed the decision to ESPN ahead of the NBA’s midnight ET withdrawal deadline on Wednesday.

Bronny’s Focus on Development

Hours before the NCAA deadline, Paul reiterated to ESPN that James will remain in the draft. He described James as a highly promising prospect with considerable growth potential, stressing the importance of the team’s development strategy and financial commitment over draft position. “It only takes one team,” Paul said. “I don’t care where that team is — it can be No. 1 or 58 — [but] I do care about the plan, the development. The team’s strategy, the opportunity, and the financial commitment. That’s why I’m not doing a two-way deal. Every team understands that.”

Strong Pre-Draft Performance

James showcased a strong pre-draft process, including a notable performance at the NBA Draft Combine. He demonstrated his athleticism with a 40.5-inch standing vertical jump and scored 13 points in the final day of scrimmages, attended by his parents, LeBron and Savannah James. Despite averaging just 4.8 points and 2.1 assists per game during his freshman season at usctrojans.com, James’ impressive Combine performance has garnered significant interest from NBA teams. His rise from unranked to No. 56 on the CBS Sports Big Board positions him as a projected second-round pick.

Overcoming Health Challenges

James’ journey to the NBA draft has not been without challenges. After enrolling at USC last summer, his freshman season was interrupted by a cardiac arrest episode in July, which required a procedure to treat a congenital heart defect. This sidelined him for nearly five months. James made his college debut in mid-December, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 19.4 minutes per game. Despite USC’s disappointing 15-18 season, James was medically cleared to be drafted by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel, allowing him to fully participate in the combine’s on-court activities.

Future Prospects

James’ future in the NBA looks promising, with his athleticism and skill development drawing interest from multiple teams. As he prepares for the draft, his selective approach to workouts and emphasis on securing a guaranteed contract highlight his strategic planning for a successful professional career.