Freshman guard Bronny James of USC announced on Instagram on Friday that he would enter the transfer portal and the 2024 NBA draft while still eligible to play collegiate ball.
After winning McDonald's All American accolades in high school, James was expected to make a significant contribution to USC.
However, a cardiac arrest event in July and an operation to address a congenital heart abnormality kept him out of action for five months, which had a serious negative influence on his production as a freshman at USC.
In 19 minutes per game, James averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
Andy Enfield, the coach of USC, recently left for SMU, while Eric Musselman of Arkansas was hired by the Trojans on Thursday.
Before James can be selected in the draft or take part in team practices or the May selection combine, he must first undergo evaluation and approval by the NBA's fitness-to-play panel following his cardiac arrest and heart operation.
Although the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement mandates that players invited to the Chicago draft combine participate in the scouting event for teams and submit to a physical, he is still permitted to have interviews with teams without the medical clearance.
Before the May 29 deadline to remain in the draft, James is expected to meet with prospective teams for workouts and interviews as part of the pre-draft preparation.