Bronny James scored 11 points and hit some crucial shots late to help lead USA Basketball to a 90-84 win over the World Select Team on Saturday in the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon.
The performance by James came in front of several notable attendees, including his father, LeBron James, and Draymond Green and Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors and Hall of Famer Chris Bosh. Peja Stojakovic was also there watching his son, Andrej.
James started off slow in the showcase, going just 2-of-5 from the field in the first half for four points. It prompted him to seek out his father for some advice at halftime, which seemed to help get him going later in the fourth quarter.
He produced seven points in the final frame, including a 3-pointer to give Team USA a six-point lead with under five minutes to play. He scored a layup and hit two free throws in the final seconds to help clinch the victory at Moda Center.
Afterward, Bronny revealed the message from his father at halftime.
He was basically saying keep playing my game because he knows what I’m capable of. He just wants to see it out of me and see the best for me.
James was among 13 of the top high schoolers on Team USA, joining the likes of Isaiah Collier (USC), Jackson Shelstad (Oregon) and DJ Wagner (Kentucky). They competed against players like Mackenzie Mgbako (Duke), London Johnson (Ignite) and Michael Nwoko (Miami).
Ron Holland, who committed to Texas, led the U.S. with 15 points while Collier added 11 points, Wagner had 10 points and Shelstad added eight points. Mgbako led the international players with 22 points and Nwoko had 17 points. Johnson finished with eight points.
The players, who are all under 19 years old, competed throughout the week in front of scouts and executives in various practices and other workouts. They all will be eligible for the 2024 NBA draft.
James explained what he thought he showed those scouts in attendance.
That I can defend at a high level. I’m a smart player, I can make the right plays. I’m not very ball hungry, I can give it up. Just that I’m a good player and a good teammate.
The 18-year-old James is the only American that has yet to commit to a school for next year. He said that he’d make the best decision for his future as some USA teammates, including Collier and Shelstad, have spent time this week recruiting him to follow them.
James, who is listed at 6 feet, 3 inches, is the No. 28 recruit in the class of 2023 in ESPN’s rankings. He recently drew a comparison to Jrue Holiday by former three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas for his ability to score and be a lockdown defender.
He has received interest from several programs and apparently has a list of three preferred schools: Ohio State, Oregon and USC. He believes his recent showing this week in Portland offered a glimpse at what he’ll bring to the next level.
“I like to play defense as hard as I can,” James said. “It always makes the coach happy. I really take pride in playing defense and I feel like all of the next level coaches take that into consideration when they’re recruiting me.”
More Bronny James!
Bronny James comments on college basketball recruiting decision
Kevin Durant would love to see Bronny James play basketball in college
Gilbert Arenas on Bronny James: ‘He reminds me of a more athletic Jrue Holiday’
Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire