Bronny James will enter the NBA draft after playing one season at Southern California, which was cut short due to his cardiac arrest recovery.

The 19-year-old son of LeBron James announced on his Instagram account Friday that he intends to keep his college eligibility and will use the transfer portal.

“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added to growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” James wrote in his blog post.

James announced his decision just hours before USC was set to introduce Eric Musselman as its new coach. He succeeds Andy Enfield, who left on Monday to become a coach at SMU.

“Bronny is his own man,” the elder James explained this week. “He has some difficult decisions to make. When he is ready to make those decisions, he will notify us all. But as his family, we will support him in whatever he does.

James started six of the Trojans’ 25 games, averaging 4.8 points and 2.8 rebounds. He shot 37% from the field, 27% from three points, and 68% from the free throw line.

This season, the elder James, his wife, and their nine-year-old daughter were regular courtside spectators at the Galen Center.

The 39-year-old James has expressed a desire to play alongside his son in the NBA.

Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who represents both father and son, recently stated that he does not “value a young player getting into the lottery as much as I do getting him on the right team in the right developmental situation.”

James, a 6-foot-4 combo guard, didn’t begin his college career until December 10. James then spoke to the media for less than a minute, thanking the doctors, athletic trainers, and support system who helped him return to play.

 

Despite numerous requests, James never spoke with reporters throughout the season.

On July 20, he suffered a cardiac arrest while working out at the Galen Center. He was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect that could be treated.