Bronny James will likely come off the bench for USC men's basketball
Although it was expected, Bronny James committing to USC on Saturday sent shockwaves through the college basketball world. The son of LeBron James playing at the Galen Center will bring a spotlight to the program the likes of which it's never experienced — all eyes will be on USC men's basketball in 2023-24.
But what exactly will all of those eyes see? What role can college basketball fans expect to see the younger James fill for the Trojans next season?
Let's start here. There absolutely will be a role for James, the combo guard and McDonald's All-American. It just may not be as a starter.
USC is bringing back Boogie Ellis, last year's starting point guard and leading scorer. Kobe Johnson, USC's best defensive guard who played 28.8 minutes per game last season, will be back too. Additionally, the Trojans signed the nation's top point guard prospect in Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) standout Isaiah Collier.
Those three players are locks to start for Andy Enfield. If Enfield wants to play a smaller lineup and put the 6-foot-6 Johnson at power forward to begin games, James could certainly slot into the starting five. But it's more likely that the three guards, Washington State transfer DJ Rodman, a forward, and one of the Trojans' two centers, Joshua Morgan or Vincent Iwuchukwu, make up USC's starting five.
With Reese-Dixon Waters, last year's Sixth Man of the Year award winner in the Pac-12, transferring to San Diego State, the Trojans will need a new offensive spark off the bench.
We view that role as the perfect landing spot for James in his first year in college. With his high level athleticism, strong three-point shooting and intense defense, James is capable of filling the void left from Dixon-Waters' departure.
It's a really good fit.
