Bronny James, No. 19 prospect in 2023, verbally commits to USC

Four-star guard Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, announced his commitment to USC on Saturday.

James made his announcement on Instagram.

A 6-foot-3 guard from Cleveland who attended Sierra Canyon School (California), James is considered one of the top five point guards in the country. He was ranked as the No. 19 prospect in the ESPN 100 for the class of 2023 and earned McDonald’s All-American honors this season.

James averaged 11.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Strive For Greatness program on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer, then followed that up with stellar performances in high-profile games during the high school season. James had 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and five steals in the Hoophall Classic against Christopher Columbus (Florida), shooting 3-for-8 from 3-point range.

He had 15 points and four assists, making five 3-pointers, in the McDonald’s All-American Game and then had 11 points in the Nike Hoop Summit.

In ESPN’s early 2024 mock draft, James is projected as the No. 10 pick – with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony citing his ability as “arguably the best perimeter defender in his high school class” as his biggest asset.

James chose the Trojans over Oregon and Ohio State following a long and mysterious recruitment. Throughout the entirety of his high school career, there was very little concrete information about which schools were involved and where he might end up for college. There was even a stretch where going the pro route for a year before entering the NBA draft appeared to be an option.

He finally broke his silence last month at the Nike Hoop Summit, speaking publicly about his recruiting process for the first time – without giving away any hints.

“Talking to them, talking to the coaches, it’s good to know they want me there with them,” James said in a response to a question about all-star game teammates recruiting him to certain schools. “But at the end of the day, it’s my decision and I need to make the right one for me.”

James will now suit up for Andy Enfield and the Trojans, joining a preseason top-25 team and one of the best backcourts in the country. USC is expected to bring back all-conference guard Boogie Ellis, the team’s leading scorer at 17.7 points per game, while it also brings elite point guard Isaiah Collier, the No. 1-ranked high school senior in the country.

James is one of the best jump shooters in the class, especially off the catch and his defense, facilitating and basketball IQ at both ends of the floor will give USC two-way production. James will play mostly off the ball at USC and be a second or third ball-handler when needed.

–ESPN’s Paul Biancardi contributed to this report.