“Dad Literally Hired the Head Coach”: Bryce & Bronny James Could Team up as NCAA Transfer Portal Rumors Multiple

There might be a major shift coming in the James family. LeBron’s son Bronny James is reportedly set to enter the NCAA transfer portal after spending one year at USC. It is still uncertain where the USC Trojans star will head next, but the transfer rumors have opened multiple possibilities. Many have even speculated that Bronny might team up with his younger brother Bryce James and play under the guidance of their father’s old high school teammate.

Amid Bronny’s transfer rumors, fans are considering the possibility of him transferring to Duquesne to play for the Dukes. That could be a perfect setting for Bronny to team up with Bryce, as the 2025 recruit already holds an offer from Duquesne. Bronny has another motivation that could lean him toward joining Duquesne. Their new head coach, Dru Joyce III, is LeBron’s old high school teammate and long-time friend.

LeBron even broke the news of Joyce’s promotion as Duquesne’s Head Coach on X following their elimination from the NCAA tournament. Due to LeBron’s ties at Duquesne, the NBA World has made bold claims about Bronny and Bryce’s future together, “Bronny James is going to Duquesne guys. His dad literally hired the head coach.”

Dru Joyce III took over the reins of the Duquesne Dukes after LeBron’s High School coach, Keith Dambrot, announced his retirement from coaching. Prior to becoming the head coach, Joyce was the Associate head coach to Dambrot and helped the Dukes clinch their first NCAA tournament berth since 1977. Duquesne could be a great transfer option for Bronny as it is a rapidly growing program and could help improve his NBA draft projections. However, even if Bronny transfers to Duquesne, he will have to wait one more year before Bryce can join him on the court.

Bronny James’ transfer plan could also delay his NBA dream

If Bronny James chooses to transfer from USC, it will also mean that he is putting his NBA dream on hold. Bronny is eligible to enter his name in this year’s NBA draft, but ESPN’s latest mock draft suggests that he is likely to go undrafted in 2024. The 19-year-old guard had an underwhelming freshman season at USC. He played in 25 games and averaged only 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. The Trojans also failed to qualify for the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2019.

Following USC’s disappointing performance, the Trojans parted ways with head coach Andy Enfield. Andy’s departure might also have played a role in Bronny’s decision to enter the transfer portal. Although Bronny has immense potential, he might not be ready to go pro yet. When asked about the same, LeBron said, “Bronny is his own man. He has some tough decisions to make”.

“When he is ready to make those decisions, he will let us all know. His family will support whatever he does.” The 21-year veteran said he would help Bronny weigh his options, but the decision to continue college or enter the NBA draft will eventually be his son’s.

Despite LeBron’s ultimate desire to play with his son in the NBA, it might be better for Bronny to stay in college for at least one more year to develop his game further. His performance as a freshman was not up to the standards of some of the top recruits in this year’s draft class. And transferring to another college could eventually help Bronny’s NBA aspirations in the long run. Do you think Bronny James should join Duquesne to team up with Bryce James?

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