Bronny James

Kenny Smith Makes Wild Claim About Bronny James’ NBA Chances

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Bronny James will make his USC debut against Kansas State on November 6. USC has gone all-in on their best recruiting class in years. A price hike on tickets and a pre-season tour of Europe are both things being implemented ahead of their NCAA debut. With Collier and James on board, USC could see their first Final Four appearance since the 1950s. Alongside James, USC is also bringing in #1 recruit Isaiah Collier. The hype is very much real for the Trojans. Last year, USC went 22-11. That earned them a ten-seed in March Madness. However, they were eliminated in the first round by Michigan State.

Meanwhile, LeBron James, Bronny’s father, is about to enter his 21st NBA season. Despite contemplating retirement earlier in the offseasons, sources are confident that LeBron will return to the Lakers next season. LeBron has been very insistent that he doesn’t want to retire before he gets the chance to play alongside Bronny. However, former NBA star Kenny Smith has been something of a wet blanket in regards to Bronny making it to the NBA.

Kenny Smith Speaks To Bronny’s “Improbable” NBA Chances

Calling Bronny James’ NBA chances “improbable”, Smith expanded on his wild take. “75 years of basketball Big, there’s only been 5100 players that touch a floor!,” Smith said on BigBoyTV. He continued, “So to be waiting on your son to be one of those 5100, that doesn’t even make sense, like, he’s not waiting on his son. He’s wishing his son will make it”.

Smith’s take is valid, if a little pessimistic. James is currently ranked as the #19 prospect in the 2023 recruiting class, according to ESPN. Furthermore, he is currently projected as a lottery pick in the 2024 Draft. That’s the problem with statistics – they ignore the player in front of them. Unless he absolutely sucks in college, at least one of the 30 teams in the NBA is going to take a chance on LeBron James’ son. Hell, even if he sucks, a team will likely take a chance on him. After all, drafting Bronny James might also land you his dad. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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The post Kenny Smith Makes Wild Claim About Bronny James’ NBA Chances appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

USC Denies That Ticket Hike Is A “Bronny Tax”

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USC Men’s Basketball team is in an intriguing position. In 2021, they went to the Elite Eight of March Madness. However, a year later, they crashed out in the first round. But they could be about to bounce back given their 2023 recruiting class.

The big name is obviously Bronny James, ESPN‘s #19 prospect and the son of NBA legend LeBron James. He’s the star power, Mr. Hollywood, the poster child. But he’s not the premier prospect in the class for the Trojans. That would be Isaiah Collier, ESPN‘s #1 prospect. Together, along with the rest of USC’s young core, the Trojans could be looking at their first Final Four appearance since 1954. However, questions are starting to be asked about some of the things that USC is doing in light of this major recruiting class.

USC Dismisses Claims Of A “Bronny Tax”

LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 07: Wheeler guard Isaiah Collier guarded by Sierra Canyon guard Bronny James during a high school basketball game between Sierra Canyon and Wheeler in The Chosen-1’s Invitational at Galen Center on January 7, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).

There’s no denying that Trojans tickets are about to become a hot commodity. “There is an added tier here, an added level, for sure, with the family ties Bronny comes with and the friends that not only he has but that his family has. And the following that could follow him and come to games on any given night,” USC Chief of Marketing Craig Kelley told ESPN. “It’s up to us to prepare.” Among that, Kelley acknowledged that ticket prices at the Galen Center are set to rise. However, he objected to the price hike being seen as a “Bronny Tax”.

“I know it’s going to be hard to believe, but with or without Bronny, the prices were more than likely going to go up by a few percentage points just because that’s just the nature of the business,” Kelley said. “Most teams are increasing their prices 2% to 3% annually. We’ve actually been flat for quite some time. And so we were going up in price just because the team has just gotten better. And you do add some notable name players.” Furthermore, USC has never shied away from high-profile students. Their 2023 graduating class included Sasha Obama and Princess Salma bint Abdullah of Jordan. However, that won’t be much comfort to the Trojan faithful who are going to feel a bigger pinch of their wallet next season.

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LeBron James Attends Son Bronny’s Graduation

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Everyone is waiting to see Bronny James’ next move in action. Earlier this month, Bronny announced that he would be committing to USC to play at least a year of college ball. Furthermore, Bronny is expected to declare for the NBA draft after his freshman year and could be as high as a top 10 draft pick. However, his NBA future could be linked to his father’s, at least for his rookie contract.

However, before he does all that, he needs to officially leave high school. Bronny has been a student at Sierra Canyon High School, where he developed into a highly sought-after college prospect. After all, LeBron James’ son still needs to show that he can hoop. But all of that was forgotten as Bronny officially graduated on Thursday.

LeBron Attends Son’s Graduation

LeBron’s still-active, for now, NBA career has meant that he has to miss some of his son’s big moments. Recently, LeBron was unable to attend Bronny signing his Letter of Intent. This was because he was in Denver for the Western Conference Finals. However, now out of the playoffs, LeBron is free to revel in his son’s success. LeBron and his wife Samantha were sat in the front row as Bronny and the rest of the Class of 2023 crossed the football field at the elite Chatsworth high school. It presumably took LeBron back to his own graduation in Ohio, just months before he became the first overall pick of the 2003 NBA Draft.

Now begins a summer of expectations and uncertainty for the James family. For Bronny, he begins his preparation to join Andy Enfield’s team at the Galen Center. The hope is that Bronny as well as elite prospect Isaiah Collier can turn the team’s fortunes. The Trojans have not reached the first Final Four since 1954. Meanwhile, LeBron will decide his future. He has openly contemplated retirement after his playoff exit. However, he has also acknowledged his desire to play alongside Bronny before stepping away from the league. However, for now, the James family is celebrating the most recent success of their eldest son.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Bronny James Signs Letter of Intent for USC

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SOURCE SPORTS: Bronny James Signs Letter of Intent for USC

Bronny James is a college-bound student-athlete. Last week, Bronny decided to join the University of South California Trojans. This week, Bronny hosted signing day at Sierra Canyon.

LeBron James shared the moment on his Instagram page, stating he shed a tear about the achievement. Bronny was joined by his mother Savannah and his younger brother Bryce at the signing.

“Pops shed a gangsta 🥺😢 seeing this,” LeBron wrote on Instagram. “So AMAZING!! #ProudDad #BronnyGoingToCollege😱 #JamesGang👑 #FightOn✌🏾.”

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Bronny James Signs Letter of Intent for USC appeared first on The Source.

Bronny James Signs Letter Of Intent

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After months of speculation, Bronny James finally revealed the next step of his basketball journey earlier in May. James opted to play at least one year of college, as opposed to playing overseas or spending a year in the G-League. Furthermore, James announced that he would be joining Andy Enfield’s team at USC. Additionally, Bronny is projected to be a top-ten pick in the 2024 draft. LeBron has expressed a desire to play with his son before he eventually retires.

Last season, the Trojans went 22-11, finishing third in the Pac-12. However, they crashed out of the Pac-12 tournament in the first round 77-72 to Arizona State. Their performance earned them a ten-seed in the NCAA Tournament. That set up a first-round matchup against Michigan State. That ended in a 72-62 loss, meaning that the team had lost in the first round in back-to-back seasons.

LeBron Shares Letter Of Intent News

“My boy signed his letter of intent yesterday for @uschoops! So damn happy and proud of you @bronny!! Pops shed a gangsta 🥺😢 seeing this. So AMAZING!! #ProudDad #BronnyGoingToCollege😱 #JamesGang👑 #FightOn✌🏾” Bronny’s father, LeBron James, said on Instagram. His post also included pictures of Bronny at a signing table, as well as a picture with his mother Savannah, and brother Bryce. However, LeBron himself was unable to attend. He is currently in Denver as part of his Western Conference Finals series against the Nuggets.

Despite USC’s recent struggles, 2023-24 should be an up year for the program. Alongside Bronny (ESPN‘s #19 prospect this year), USC is also welcoming another, arguably more elite, prospect. USC also managed to snag the #1 prospect in the class, Isiah Collier. The pair of prospects, along with a young and promising core, could improve the Trojans’ prospects. ESPN currently has USC projected as a #5 seed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament. If that proves true, it would the team’s highest seeding since 2007. Are you excited to see Bronny at USC? Where do you think he will play in the NBA? Let us know in the comments below.

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Bronny James Commits To USC

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Bronny James, son of NBA star LeBron James, announced his commitment to USC on Saturday. The 6-foot-3 guard is currently rated as a four-star recruit and the 19th-ranked prospect in 2023. Bronny made the announcement in a post on Instagram. The decision will allow him to stay close to his father, who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Fight On,” Bronny captioned a photo of himself in the USC locker room. According to the Los Angeles Times, Bronny also seriously considered committing to Ohio State and Oregon. He also mulled the option of playing with the G League Ignite and foregoing his college career. Bronny, who is 19 years old, will be eligible for the NBA Draft in 2024.

Bronny With LeBron James

HOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 28: Bronny James #6 of the West team talks to Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers after the 2023 McDonald’s High School Boys All-American Game at Toyota Center on March 28, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images)

At USC, Bronny will join the top guard in his senior class, Isaiah Collier. The two previously played together in the backcourt during a pair of all-star games in April. “It’s been great playing with him,” Collier told Yahoo Sports. “Just these last couple of weeks and getting to know each other as players. He’s a great shooter. I’m a great passer and, yeah, my pitch to him is just to stay home and we can really play well together.”

Bronny averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.8 steals during his senior season at Sierra Canyon High School. Last month, he played in front of NBA scouts at the Nike Hoop Summit. “I just want to show them [NBA scouts] that I can play and I belong here,” Bronny told reporters after a practice for the event. “A lot of people don’t think I should be here and I’m just here to prove that I do belong [with this group].” USC finished second in the Pac-12 last year and was a 10-seed in the NCAA tournament. They went on to lose to Michigan State in the first round.

Bronny’s Announcement On IG

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Bronny James Links Up With Yeat

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Bronny James is big news right now. LeBron’s eldest son recently headlined the Nike Basketball Summit. Meanwhile, the basketball world is waiting to head which, if any, college James is committing to. Despite not even being out of high school, Bronny already has multiple NIL deals and will likely be a sought-after prospect in the 2024 NBA draft. Bronny James is the star of pre-college basketball right now. Furthermore, no one comes even close to the level of hype surrounding Bronny.

However, with the famous father, a social following in the millions, and big-name brand deals, it’s easy to forget that Bronny is only 18. And despite looking to follow in his father’s footsteps, sometimes Bronny wants to do the things that every other 18-year-old is doing. That includes going to concerts and taking in some contemporary culture. That’s what led to a picture now circulating on social media

Bronny Heads Backstage At Yeat Gig

Bronny was recently spotted backstage with Yeat at a recent gig. Bronny for his part was rocking for truly iconic hot pink sweats. But the bond between the basketball player and up-and-coming rapper goes deeper than a simple backstage selfie. In recent months, Bronny has been spotted warming up to Yeat’s music, signaling an affinity for the mind behind Money So Big and Get Busy. Yeat’s stock has been soaring in recent months, with fans going wild at every stop of his 2 Alivë tour. While TikTok helped kickstart his popularity, he’s not looking back after three album drops in three years. Perhaps it was only a matter of time before these two respective stars met.

Maybe this was a link-up between two big-name stars and nothing more. Bronny clearly enjoys Yeat’s music. And on Yeat’s part, are you really going to pass up a chance to meet Bronny James? Or maybe this is the start of something bigger. Could Bronny be dropping a verse on an upcoming Yeat track? In recent weeks, we’ve seen rappers proposing collabs with basketball stars. However, for now, the story is as deep as a young basketball star getting to meet a rapper whose music he clearly enjoys.

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Shannon Sharpe Praises Bronny James Jr.’s Recent Performance

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It’s no secret that Shannon Sharpe is a supporter of LeBron James. Whether Sharpe is attempting to fight an NBA team. Or singing James’ praises on UNDISPUTED. No one hits the LeBron drum louder than Sharpe. Now it seems Sharpe’s support is going to another member of the James family. Bronny James was in the national spotlight last night and did not disappoint. Sharpe was the first to tell the world his thoughts on the performance.

On Tuesday, Bronny James participated in the McDonald’s All-American Game. James was more than just a participant in the All-Star game. Bronny showed off his shot-making abilities, going 5-8 from three. He finished the game with 15 points and gained a massive fan in Sharpe. Sharpe stated on UNDISPUTED that “Bronny James showed he belongs amongst the best. He can play and shoot at an elite level.”

Bronny James Shines In All-American Game

Sharpe’s comments about James belonging aren’t that far-fetched. In a league that is dominated by perimeter shooting, Bronny proved that he is capable of being an outside threat. Maybe he is even a better perimeter shooter than his old man. Whatever the case, Bronny will be scrutinized for every performance he has due to being who he is. Heavy is the head that wears the crown. According to 24/7 Sports, Bronny is the only Top-50 recruit yet to make his college decision. James is the 33rd-ranked prospect and is now a five-star recruit. Any team that gets James will be getting a great player and massive pressure brought to the program. The pressure is something Bronny is already expecting.

Bronny’s performance in the McDonald’s All-American Game definitely lit the flame for his hype train. His father has been the most scrutinized athlete of a generation. Bronny will also live under the same microscope. While it’s not expected for Bronny to be LeBron, the James legacy is in good hands. What are your thoughts on Bronny’s performance? Should Shannon pump the brakes and let the kid create his own legacy? Sound off in the comment section below. For more news on Sharpe and Bronny, stay up to date with us at HNHH.

SOURCE SPORTS: Bronny James Throws Down Impressive Dunks During Powerade JamFest

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Bronny James highlights from the 2023 Powerade JamFest 🎥👀 0 29 screenshot

Bronny James is him. The young phenom, McDonald’s All-American, and son of NBA legend LeBron James is currently enjoying his journey to the NBA. Named an All-American, Bronny took part in the Powerade JamFest, most notably the Slam Dunk Contest, which his father was in decades ago.

Bronny jumped over his 6’5″ brother Bryce James during the dunk contest for his most impressive dunk. He also put down an impressive windmill during the warmups. You can see all of the moments from Bronny’s session below.

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Don Toliver Is The 2023 McDonald’s All American Games Halftime Performer

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don toliver
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Houston’s own Don Toliver has been announced as the halftime performer for the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Games. Taking place on Tuesday, March 28 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, the MCDAAGs are the premier showcase of amateur basketball talent in the nation outside of March Madness. Toliver will perform between halves during the boys’ game, while the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Marching Band will perform during the girls’ game.

In a press statement, Toliver said, “I’m ready to do my thing at the McDonald’s All-American Games halftime show. I have a lot of respect for how hard the players have worked to be at the top of their game, and it’s an honor to take center stage in my hometown where it all began for me.”

The rosters for the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Games were announced earlier this year and include names like Bronny James — the son of NBA All-Star LeBron James — and No. 1-ranked girls’ player Juju Watkins of Watts, California. You can check out both groups’ rosters below.

Boys Roster:

East

Omaha Biliew, Iowa State
Aaron Bradshaw, Kentucky
Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Stephon Castle, UConn
Justin Edwards, Kentucky
Kwame Evans Jr, Oregon
Aden Holloway, Auburn
Elmarko Jackson, Kansas
Mackenzie Mgbako, Duke
Sean Stewart, Duke
D.J. Wagner, Kentucky
Cody Williams, Colorado

West

Xavier Booker, Michigan State
Isaiah Collier, USC
Mookie Cook, Oregon
Baye Fall, Arkansas
Jeremy Fears, Michigan State
Brandon Garrison, Oklahoma State
Ron Holland, Texas
Bronny James, Undeclared
Jared McCain, Duke
Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Andrej Stojacković, Stanford
Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor

East

Zoe Brooks, NC State
Essence Cody, Alabama
Aalyah Del Rosario, LSU
Jadyn Donovan, Duke
Milaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina
Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame
Riley Nelson, Maryland
Courtney Ogden, Stanford
Laila Reynolds, Florida
Emma Risch, Notre Dame
Taliah Scott, Arkansas
Ashlynn Shade, UConn

West

Kamorea Arnold, UConn
Sofia Bell, Oregon
Madison Booker, Texas
Addy Brown, Iowa State
Breya Cunningham, Arizona
Kymora Johnson, Virginia
Tessa Johnson, South Carolina
Amanda Muse, UCLA
Juju Watkins, USC
Jada Williams, Arizona
Mikaylah Williams, LSU
Sahara Williams, Oklahoma