Frankly, Bronny James would almost assuredly be going back to college if it wasn’t for his father nearing the end of his NBA odyssey.

While he arrived at USC as a 5-star prospect in the class of 2023, per 247Sports’ composite rankings, he didn’t live up to those expectations during his first collegiate season. He didn’t make his debut until mid-December because he suffered cardiac arrest during an offseason workout, and was more of a rotational player during his first stint in the college ranks.

He averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 36.6 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from deep.

The talent is clearly there, and he showed flashes of it multiple times with the Trojans. Yet the delayed start to his season and the on-the-fly adjustment to a higher level of play resulted in an inconsistent first year that could be the groundwork for what turns into a successful collegiate career.

But that would only be possible if he returns to the college game, even as a transfer after USC head coach Andy Enfield left the Trojans for SMU.

Perhaps James and Klutch Sports will receive feedback that convinces them the 19-year-old should return to college and work on his game before entering the 2025 draft with a more well-rounded game and experience at a higher level.

If that is the case, a school such as Ohio State or Duquesne could be waiting.