'Thankful' Bronny James comes off bench in USC debut - ESPN

LOS ANGELES — USC freshman Bronny James hit a transition 3-pointer, delivered a sensational chase-down block — that looked very familiar — and had a steal and a free throw late in regulation during his long-awaited collegiate debut after suffering cardiac arrest less than five months ago.

Long Beach State, however, spoiled James' return to the court with an 84-79 upset over USC in overtime at the Galen Center on Sunday.

James finished with 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 1 block off the bench while playing on a minutes restriction (16 minutes).

«I just want to say I'm thankful for everything,» James, who did not take questions, said in his first comments to the media since suffering cardiac arrest at a USC practice on July 24. «Mayo Clinic, everything they helped me with, my parents, siblings for supporting me through this hard time in my life.

»I just want to give appreciation to everyone that's helped me through this. Also, my coach, my teammates, all my other coaches. They've been with me since the start and I just want to say I'm thankful for them."

James, 19, might not have gotten the win he was looking for, but being back on the court was everything for LeBron James and the James family. They, along with Los Angeles Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, were among a sellout crowd of 9,806 on hand to watch the eldest son of the Lakers superstar.

LeBron James said his son's collegiate debut made him both emotional and proud in an Instagram post Sunday night.

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