ESPN updates Way Too Early Top 25 following Bronny James commitment

USC landed a gigantic recruit on Saturday, as Bronny James — the famed first born of LeBron James — chose the Trojans as the program he would take his talents to next season.

James is the No. 23 overall prospect and No. 3 combo guard in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking. Additionally, he’s the No. 5 player out of California. 

On3 rates James higher than other recruiting services, according to the Industry Comparison. Per On3, James is ranked as a five-star recruit and the No. 9 overall prospect, No. 2 combo guard and No. 1 player in California. As you can see, that’s a big fish for USC’s 2023-24 campaign.

Following the news, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello updated his Way-Too-Early Top 25, bumping the Trojans up seven spots, from No. 21 to No. 14 in his rankings. Check out his full rankings below, as the Bronny James news had a profound effect on his decisions.

ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25 following Bronny James’ commitment to USC:

1. Duke Blue Devils
2. Kansas Jayhawks
3. Marquette Golden Eagles
4. Michigan State Spartans
5. Connecticut Huskies
6. Houston Cougars
7. Tennessee Volunteers
8. Gonzaga Bulldogs
9. Florida Atlantic Owls
10. Arkansas Razorbacks
11. Kentucky Wildcats
12. Alabama Crimson Tide
13. Saint Mary’s Gaels
14. USC Trojans
15. Creighton Blue Jays
16. Baylor Bears
17. Purdue Boilermakers
18. Texas A&M Aggies
19. Miami Hurricanes
20. North Carolina Tar Heels
21. Colorado Buffaloes
22. Wisconsin Badgers
23. Maryland Terrapins
24. Arizona Wildcats
25. San Diego State Aztecs

While the Trojans still fall short of the Top 10 in Borzello’s rankings, moving up seven spots is no small feat. With Bronny James joining the fold, USC has big dreams for next season, as it could prove to be a fruitful year.

Bronny James’ Scouting Report:

“Bronny James is a sturdy guard, with a strong frame, long arms, and broad shoulders. The 6-2/6-3 guard is a noted defender at the point of attack. He moves his feet well laterally and plays with a chip on his shoulder. Offensively he does not really show blow-by burst in the half-court, but he attacks closeouts well, and he is strong in the paint. James is good in transition, has a little bit of wiggle there, and can get on the rim. He is explosive in straight lines.

“James needs to tighten his handle in space. One of his biggest areas of improvement is from three, where he has cleaned up his mechanics – especially the release – and gathered his balance. James made 13 threes in six Peach Jam games at a 35 percent clip. He will need to finish better at the rim, especially in traffic. When playing as the primary initiator, he takes care of the ball with a better than 2.5:1 assists to turnover ratio at Peach Jam.” – On3’s Jamie Shaw