USC Basketball: Insider Breaks Down Bronny James' NBA Draft Potential

Bronny James compares to many of his collegiate peers.

Before he even logged a single minute for the USC Trojans, Bronny James had already developed a serviceable reputation amongst basketball scouts. Playing at Sierra Canyon High School meant that he was matched up with some of the best players in the nation and James usually held his own.

Coming out of his senior season, James was viewed as one of the best perimeter defenders in his class. The NBA is a whole different story but at the collegiate level, defense will keep you on the floor. Throw in his growing athleticism along with his ability to stretch the floor as a combo guard and it made sense why James chose to team up with other star guards in Isaiah Collier and Boogie Ellis at USC.

However, a big health scare postponed his debut with the squad for months and now that he has gotten a number of games under his belt, fans look at his averages and have not been impressed. With 18 games played and about 20 minutes logged per game, James is currently averaging five points to go with two rebounds and two assists.

The Trojans have not been able to consistently keep a healthy squad on the court for long periods of time but with the end of the season growing closer, the big question is getting louder: Will Bronny declare for the NBA Draft or return to USC for a sophomore season?

The Athletic's John Hollinger offered some of his own thoughts and said while James has potential, he believes declaring now would be too early.

"He is a good player but right now, he is not a great one," said Bollinger. "He has promising flashes but it's a mixed bag. It's no different than dozens of other talented but raw prospects across the country."

(Via The Athletic)

Let's hope James can finish out his freshman season healthy and productive and then assess what is next for his future!