Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, made his University of Southern California basketball debut Sunday night, just over four months after he collapsed during a workout in the same gym.
Though the USC Trojans lost to the Long Beach State 49ers, the game was a win for 19-year-old James who had missed the first eight games of the season after he collapsed on the USC Galen Center court in July in what turned out to be a cardiac arrest.
After collapsing, James was rushed to the hospital, followed by a three-day stay. The cardiac arrest was caused by a congenital heart defect, a family spokesperson said in August, noting the condition wouldn’t keep the rising star from his upcoming basketball career.
James was cleared to make a full return to basketball on Nov. 30.
For his collegiate debut on Sunday, his father LeBron James was supporting him courtside, seen proudly taking videos and cheering on his son.
"Can’t even tell y’all how EMOTIONAL today was for me! I’m literally drained and all I can say is @bronny you’re simply INCREDIBLE!!" LeBron James wrote on Instagram.
"Damn the wins and loses that will occur. You’ve already won the ultimate goal/championship and that’s LIFE!!! Proud of you kid and today you’ve given me more life! Thank you and I love you," he added.
Earlier on Sunday, a line of fans waiting to see James' return to the court wrapped around the Galen Center two hours before tip off.
In post game comments, Bronny James said he was "thankful" for all those who supported him in his journey.
“I just want to say I’m thankful for everything. Mayo Clinic, everything they helped me with. My parents, siblings for supporting me through this hard time of my life," he said, also shouting out his coaches and teammates. "I just want to give appreciation to everyone that’s helped me through this."
