The Australian NBL wants to sign Bronny James after he graduates from high school this summer and has formally reached out to the Sierra Canyon guard’s representatives. “We think he’s a prodigious talent,” NBL commissioner Jeremy Loeliger told The Sporting Tribune. “Bronny is NBA bound and he fits into the parameters of our Next Stars program really, really well.” Bronny, 18, was named a McDonald’s All-American last Tuesday. He is not eligible for the NBA Draft until 2024, but can go pro straight out of high school.
Bronny James Rumors
Loeliger described the talks as a “very preliminary back and forth” with only broad details having been discussed until now. “Just letting them know that we’re here, that we’re interested, and that we actually think it would be beneficial to [Bronny’s] rookie year in the NBA if he spent a season playing against pros in the NBL here in Australia,” Loeliger said.
Over the past two years, Clay said, he has seen Bronny play in person more than a half-dozen times. “Every time I’ve seen him play live, he’s been really good, man,’’ Clay said. “He’s played great competition. He always looks like he belongs at the table. He doesn’t look out of place. “He’s a very different player obviously than his father. If you’re judging (Bronny) by that lens, I think it’s unfair to the kid. “But if you’re talking about a kid that plays the game the right way, makes the extra pass to the corner kid, can shoot the 3-ball, I feel like he played his way into the discussion.’’
“I don’t want this to sound negative about what I think of (Bronny) as a player,’’ said Burlison, the last original member of the selection committee still voting. “But if he wasn’t LeBron’s son, and I’d seen him at a different high school, I’d say, ‘He’s a good player. He’s top whatever in California, he’s a D-1 guard.’ “But we wouldn’t be debating whether he’s a McDonald’s All American or anything like that, that’s for sure. I don’t know if that sounds negative or hating, but so be it. That’s just the way it is by the mere fact of who his daddy is; he’s always going to have a huge spotlight on him positively or negatively.’’
Dave McMenamin: Bronny James and Andrej Stojaković, the sons of LeBron and Peja, were named McDonald’s All-Americans, as revealed on NBA Today. Dajuan Wagner Jr., whose dad played with LeBron on the Cavs, also made the team. pic.twitter.com/N4aq40cTGp
Trae Young: Congrats to them Burger Boys! 🍔 Nothin like that alumni group! Congrats @JaKobeWalter1 !!! My first McDonalds kid🥹 way to go, just the first step! @McDAAG @teamtraeyoungmb
Australia's NBL trying to recruit Bronny James
League Owner Larry Kestelman has revealed conversations have taken place with Bronny James to bring the talented prodigy to the NBL. Bronny James, who is the son of NBA legend LeBron James, is tossing up his next career move, with the NBL, college basketball and G-League Ignite all in the mix for his services. James is eligible for the NBA draft in 2024. While Kestelman admits it is a “long shot” James will come to Australia, he has told Newscorp discussions between the two parties have taken place. “We have absolutely reached out…but it’s very early days…it’s a long shot, but the conversation has begun and we’ll be in the mix” Kestelman told Newscorp.
