'So many better college players': Internet mocks Bronny James after he declares himself for this year's NBA draft

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Bronny James has faced severe backlash from internet users after he declared himself for this year's NBA draft. The USC freshman, whose status next year had been the subject of recent rumors, made the announcement on Instagram on Friday, April 5, stating that he is ready to make the jump to the big league. 

“I’ve had a year with some ups and downs but all added growth for me as a man, student and athlete,” the 19-year-old wrote about his first year in college, as per People. “I’ve made the decision to enter the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility, and will also be entering the NCAA transfer portal,” he added.

James continued, “Thank you to USC for an amazing freshman year, and as always thankful for my family, friends, doctors, athletic trainers and fans for their support.”

USC has hired a new head coach

Bronny James' latest announcement has put a halt to months of uncertainty surrounding his next move. It also comes amid USC’s disappointing season (15-18) and the departure of his coach Andy Enfield who accepted an offer to be SMU’s head coach as they transition to the ACC.

USC announced on Thursday, April 4, that it had hired former Arkansas coach Eric Musselman as its new head coach. According to ESPN, James joined the team several games into the season, after he was cleared to play following a cardiac arrest episode last July. In his first college season, he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 19 minutes per game.

What did Bronny James' agent say?

James’ agent Rich Paul, who is also his father LeBron’s agent, told ESPN last month that the goal is to get Bronny into “the right developmental situation.” "I don't value a young player getting into the lottery as much as I do getting him on the right team in the right developmental situation," Paul said at the time.

Bronny James has his father LeBron James' backing

"It's up to him," LeBron said about Bronny's draft status during NBA All-Star Game Weekend in February. "It's up to the kid. Obviously we gonna go through the whole process. ... We gonna weigh our options, and we gonna let the kid make the decision," he said. LeBron has said that he wants to stick around in the league until he can play with Bronny.

"My last year will be played with my son," LeBron told the Athletic in 2022, adding "Wherever Bronny is at, that's where I'll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It's not about the money at that point."

Internet mocks Bronny James' jump to NBA draft

Soon after James made the announcement on his social media profile, people started to make fun of him in the comments section. One user pointed out, "Basically guys if he doesn’t get drafted he can still play for college🙏🏾."

"Crazy that this dude thinks he’s ready for the NBA lol" commented one fan and another said, "No disrespect, but it’s gotta be for entertainment purposes for him to be in the draft. There are so many better college players 😅." "Bron said I ain’t waiting longer🤣", one joked and another added, "My guy, don't let your dad retire until I'm 80." 

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