LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. had a rocky start in the NCAA. The son of Los Angeles Lakers star forward LeBron James has played just 14 games in his college career, but his performance is already drawing comparisons to the son of another legend: Marcus Jordan.
James had a late start in his first year of college due to health problems he experienced during the preseason. He had barely opened training camp when Bronny had to leave practice due to a cardiac arrest.
The USC Trojans guard missed the first nine games of the season. Doctors allowed him to return to the court on December 10 for the game against Long Beach State Beach. The Trojans lost that game 84-79, and their record so far is 9-13, placing them last in the Pac-12 conference.
A lack of pace has relegated James to the team’s background, overshadowed by players like Boogie Ellis, Isaiah Collier, and another son of an NBA legend, DJ Rodman.
Bronny’s modest numbers
James Jr. averages just 5.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 20.1 minutes per game. His totals are 82 points, 40 rebounds, 37 assists, three blocks, 12 steals, and 19 turnovers.
His season has been one of ups and downs. Although he scored 15 points against visiting Oregon State in their first match at the end of December, this Saturday at home he only managed nine points against the Beavers.
His percentages are not bad, with 37.2% shooting from the field, including 27.5% from the three-point line. From the free-throw line, he shoots 65%, which is not bad considering his situation, but it’s not enough to impress scouts.
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The comparison with Marcus Jordan
Michael Jordan’s son didn’t have an easy start with the University of Central Florida in 2009 either. Marcus began by refusing to wear the team’s official shoes, which were Adidas, forcing the team to make a deal with Nike to wear Air Jordans in games.
When he finally started playing, young Jordan did not excel as expected. He averaged eight points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 26.1 minutes of play in his rookie year. His best performance that year was the 23 points he scored against the Houston Cougars.
Marcus improved in his next two years with the team, averaging 15.2 and 13.7 points per game, respectively. Starting his senior year, he decided that basketball was not for him, he left the team, and graduated in hospitality management.
So far, Bronny and Marcus are as different as night and day. The only similarity between the two is that they are the sons of legendary players trying to stand out in the sport that brought fame and fortune to their fathers.