Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
USC freshman Bronny James had a rough start to Saturday’s game against UCLA.
The son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James notched just two points, two assists and one rebound in the first half against the Bruins. However, he played just six minutes before the two sides went to the locker room tied at 34.
Bronny’s lack of playing time in the first half had college basketball fans questioning why head coach Andy Enfield wasn’t utilizing him more:
🐿Mr_Swaveyyyyy🐿Lil Steve👓The Boy Who Lived⚡️ @TevinLatrey
They are not giving bronny any playing time tonight😂😂😂
BronnyMuse @BronnyMuse06
BRONNY JAMES AT HALFTIME :
6 MIN
2 PTS (100%FG)
2 AST
1 REB+10.
Convinced Coach Enfield has something against him. pic.twitter.com/r9ASBMNRx2
Nocapback @nocapback
Folks will watch this usc game and swear bronny ain’t doing nothing, this man been on the bench this whole 11-1 run while usc players constantly turn the ball over and play bad basketball.
Bronny entered Saturday’s game averaging 20.4 minutes per night, so it’s unclear why Enfield opted to keep him on the bench for much of the first half.
That said, the 19-year-old hasn’t exactly had a big impact when he’s on the floor. Through 18 games entering Saturday, he averaged just 5.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 36.5 percent from the floor and 27.5 percent from deep.
Bronny’s rather poor performance likely isn’t all his fault as the Trojans have struggled mightily this year despite entering the season with high expectations. They sit 11th in the Pac-12 with a 10-16 record.
