Bronny James Cardiac Arrest - USC Players Open Up

Bronny James missed USC’s first practice after suffering cardiac arrest on July 24, but is doing well according to Trojans head coach Andy Enfield.

Here’s what Bronny’s coach and teammates had to say about the young guard’s cardiac arrest and how it has affected the team emotionally, according to ESPN.

ANDY ENFIELD (HEAD COACH)

“Bronny’s doing very well. But we just can’t comment on anything medically. He’s going to class and doing extremely well in school, and we’re really excited for him. He’s around when he can be. And he’s getting caught up [with] some schoolwork and doing very well. His grades are excellent right now, and he’s being the true student-athlete.”

“We anticipate him being a very valuable part of our basketball team. But that’ll be all sorted out. He’s the ultimate teammate because he cares about winning, and he has such a personal relationship with all his teammates. When you watch him on the court and you’re around them, that’s the first thing you notice within five or 10 minutes — and it’s contagious. So that’s why we’ll miss that here until he gets back. But he’s certainly a big part of our team.”

DJ RODMAN

“He’s just a very positive guy, and every time I see him, it’s just a big smile and a ‘What’s up?'” said Rodman, who noted how he has seen two other friends suffer cardiac arrest.

“I’m just so relieved that [it] was not anything more severe than that. I mean it was just very, I wouldn’t say traumatizing, but it was a huge hit on [us], and I had to run out [of the gym]. I couldn’t handle another one like that.

“It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter how invincible you think you are. It could happen to anyone. And I know I’m not taking anything for granted. I know Bronny never took anything for granted. And I’m just happy that he’s great.”

BOOGIE ELLIS

“It really caught us all by surprise. And we [were] really hurt by it. But I’m glad that he’s doing well. I’m glad to see him OK. And Vince is a fighter, too. So glad to see him healthy and geared up to get back in there with us.”

(Quotes via ESPN)