Owner of NBL wants to recruit Bronny James
Bronny James, the son of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, is in his senior season of high school, and the recruiting offers have been starting to come in for him.
Although he isn’t the most dazzling of prospects, he is thought to have some potential at the next level, even if it would be more as a project player. The younger James has reportedly received several offers from some solid basketball programs across the nation.
But playing college ball may not be his only option. Reportedly, Larry Kestelman, who owns the National Basketball League (NBL), a professional league based in Australia and New Zealand, wants the younger James to spend some time down under.
In fact, Kestelman also wants the elder James to spend a season in his league, which would allow him to fulfill his oft-stated wish to play alongside his son.
Via Herald Sun (h/t Lakers Daily):
“We have absolutely reached out and there’s the start of a conversation but it’s very early days,” Kestelman told News Corp.
“It would be incredible to see, not just him, but I know there was a conversation about him and LeBron playing one season together.
“It’s a long shot, but the conversation has begun and we’ll be in the mix.”
With the NBA stipulating that players cannot be eligible to be drafted until one year after their class graduates from high school, more and more players have been eschewing college ball in favor of other options during their age-19 year. Playing internationally is one option that has grown in popularity among such players, as has playing a year in the G League.
It seems college will be the younger James' best bet
Still, there is no substitute for spending a year or two, or possibly more, in the right college basketball program, getting to learn the fundamentals, not to mention a winning attitude and work ethic, from a successful coach.
The younger James, who is currently attending Sierra Canyon School in the San Fernando Valley, seems poised to pick from one of a number of college basketball programs in the coming months.
Via Los Angeles Times:
“According to a person with knowledge of the situation not authorized to speak publicly, James will make a decision on his college commitment after the season, and his top three schools are Ohio State — his father’s favorite — USC and Oregon.”
But the older James seems to think he can get his son into any college he wants.
“I think Bronny can go to any college he wants to. All I have to do is pick up the phone. If Bronny says he wants to go there, he’s good enough.”
– LeBron James
(Via @Oregonian) pic.twitter.com/Ki7fjaS8wk
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) January 23, 2023
Many who have seen the younger James play feel that while he is a solid prospect, it will likely take at least a few years for him to develop into an NBA-level player — if he ever gets to that level.
