Is Bronny Headed For Disturbing Controlled Chaos?

Column: Lakers’ decision to draft Bronny James is a costly move toward chaos

Bronny James sits on the bench during a game between USC and Eastern Washington in November.
Bronny James sits on the bench during a game between USC and Eastern Washington in November. Bronny ultimately stands to pay the steepest price with the Lakers’ decision to draft him on Thursday. (Robert Gauthier / LAT)

Bill Plaschke (LA Times)  —  It’s historical, it’s heartwarming, it’s the brightest of headlines for a franchise desperately in need of some good news.

But it’s not very smart. And, for two of the main people involved, it’s not very fair.

Thus a wet blanket should be tossed over the Lakers’ engineering of the most celebrated 55th overall pick in NBA draft history.

Yeah, they did it, of course they did it, they drafted an untested 19-year-old kid named Bronny James Thursday to unite him with his father LeBron in becoming the NBA’s first father-son duo.

They did it even though Bronny was ignored by virtually every other NBA team with a chance to draft him.

They did it even though Bronny struggled last season for USC in his return from a cardiac arrest episode that cost him five months.

Bronny James smiles as he listens to reporters during the 2024 NBA basketball Draft Combine in Chicago, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

They did it even though most experts agreed that his game — five points, three rebounds and two assists per appearance for the Trojans — could have used at least another year of college tutoring.

They did it seemingly for the reason they do a lot of things — to keep their superstar happy. LeBron had professed a desire to play with his son, LeBron can opt out of his contract this summer, they probably figured LeBron needed to be kept satisfied at all costs.

But this is seemingly a high price to pay.

Granted, the greatest fee will not come from the Lakers, who, let’s face it, weren’t going to get a star with the 55th pick anyway. This was a no-lose selection that, personnel-wise, cost them nothing.

The steepest cost will also not be affixed to LeBron, who will get to make history and play with his son and where’s the downside in that?

No, the highest price here will be exacted from, sadly, Bronny himself.

All the poetic waxing by commentators about the beauty of a father-son pairing failed to look at it from what could be the son’s point of view.

Does Bronny really need this kind of pressure? Is it really fair to ask him to develop his game while sitting on the same bench as arguably the greatest player in history who also happens to be his father?

Critics will cry “nepotism” with every dribble. Experts will examine his father’s reaction with every shot. It was tough enough for Bronny to play college games with his father attracting all the attention while sitting courtside. Can you imagine the heat he will feel with his father wearing the same uniform and hanging out in a nearby locker?

LeBron James, left, and Bronny James will be the first father-son duo to ever play in the NBA at the same time.
USC's Bronny James (6) brings the ball up the court during the first half.

LeBron James and Bronny James will be the first father-son duo to ever play in the NBA at the same time. (Gina Ferazzi / LAT) (John Locher / AP)

There will be the one shining moment when they initially take the court together in a regular-season game, probably a blowout where Bronny will enter in the final minutes and LeBron will throw him a pass for an ally-oop dunk and history will be made and everyone will weep.

But aside from that photo op, how can playing with his father feel like anything to Bronny other than constant controlled chaos?

Rare will be the interview where he’s not asked about his father. Even rarer will be the accomplishment that isn’t judged in relation to his father.

Late second-round draft picks are seldom seen and infrequently heard. But because of his proximity to his father, everything Bronny does will be videoed and everything he utters will go viral.

This would be one thing if he was a top draft pick and had the game to endure the scrutiny. But he was the fourth-from-the-last pick in the draft who will essentially still be in basketball school.

He just won’t be learning on the job. He will be learning on the fire.

Even if Bronny spends much of his time with the minor-league South Bay Lakers, the circus will follow him there. Having bravely overcome a frightening medical challenge, this young man deserves a chance to regain his footing on his own time, in his own space. Instead, he has now been stuck under the brightest of lights amid the most aggressive of timetables, obstacle upon obstacle, and how fair is that?

A couple of months ago, when asked about the pre-draft hype in the spring, Bronny acknowledged that, “Yeah, it’s a lot.”

Now, it’s even more.

During the same news conference, Bronny also said, “My dream has always been just to put my name out, make a name for myself, and of course, you know, get to the NBA. I never thought about just playing with my Dad …”

His dream. His name. One name. Not two names. But for now that appears to be a dream impossible.

If this plays out like it appears, for his first act as a Laker, seriously, Bronny might be wise to ask for a trade to Utah or Oklahoma City.

And he’s not mired in this madness alone, as Bronny could be joined in his discomfort by new coach JJ Redick.

Think about it. Redick is trying to connect with his stars. He’s trying to establish a culture. He’s trying to learn how to lead.

The last thing he needs to worry about is managing the overwhelming hype of a second-round draft pick. Once again, not smart and not fair.

How many pregame interview questions will involve Bronny’s progress? How much of the daily attention will be focused on a kid who will rarely play? How often will Redick have to shield his veterans from a rookie’s distraction?

And if Bronny develops quicker than imagined, how much pressure will Redick feel from LeBron’s camp to give the kid more minutes?

Lakers star LeBron James, right, pats Bronny James on the back before his college debut against Long Beach State in December.

In the words of Bronny, for a rookie NBA head coach, yeah, it’s a lot.

By all accounts, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka means well.

He believes in the legacy of the Lakers greatness, and believes this draft pick supports that.

“That feels like something that can be magical,” Pelinka told reporters Thursday. “NBA history should be made in a Laker uniform.”

He believes in the power of this glamour franchise to endure even heightened scrutiny, and believes this move epitomizes that.

“The biggest moments in sports happen with the Lakers, and that’s how we’re built, and we’re excited to see this story unfold,” he said.

As for Bronny and the sweltering spotlight, Pelinka believes the kid can handle it, noting, “Growing up as he’s grown up, there’s a fish bowl, lots of eyes looking at everything you do, he’s been able to handle all of that with an extreme maturity.”

More than anything, it seems obvious Pelinka believes he needs to keep LeBron in a Laker uniform, and he’s betting this pick will ensure that.

It’s a safe bet, but a greatly unsettling bet.

Bronny is coming. LeBron is staying. The circus is starting.

latimes.com

___________

TrojanDailyBlog members —  We always encourage you to add factual information, insight, divergent opinions, or new topics to the TDB that don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.

 

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parcelman007
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July 18, 2024 4:10 pm

Maybe he really feels that way. Originally his comments were very positive about Riley so he didn’t hate him then. Maybe he just changed his mind. People tend to do that.

parcelman007
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July 15, 2024 6:38 pm

One thing I like about SC’s recruiting is that they are not rushing to fill up their class with 3 stars. There is plenty of time before the recruiting deadlines hit and a lot of uncommitted 4 and 5 stars out there. And opinions are going to be a lot different at the end of 2024 if SC has an outstanding season. You do want to have a lot of places open at the end of the season. You can always fill your roster with high quality 3 stars at the end if necessary and they are out there. We… Read more »

Rock2112
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July 9, 2024 2:22 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

We’re at a point where it is silly putting a ton of energy into figuring out what is going wrong with USC recruiting. It is Riley’s job to understand exactly what the problem is and fix it. I am past the point of putting personal energy into stuff like this. Does this mean I am going from a die-hard USC fan to a casual USC fan? I think maybe so. If it’s an NIL problem primarily to blame, get noisier about that right now so something can be done before it is too late for this cycle. A miss with… Read more »

Rock2112
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July 9, 2024 11:42 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Great points Allen – yeah, agree — Lanning would be a good example of a “brawler” mentality in a coach. I mean it not so much in a “meathead” brawler sense, but in the sense of someone who lives to roll up their sleeves and get knee deep in a scrum for a player. Riley is going to play somewhat nice, and try to win with a sophistication pitch. Try to win with “likability.” Ego stroking. He’s going to count on the player to connect the dots on things he doesn’t have the guts to say with a stern look.… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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July 9, 2024 10:00 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

All this talk is it Riley or USC’s NIL strategy? Well how about it’s both. Riley will show us what he is by December. That will affect recruiting and NIL. 11 of Rivals Top 25 players are still uncommitted. Let’s see who has a good senior season and who doesn’t. Then we will see who is worth the money. There is still time to get a good 2025 class. Can we just get through July and August already and see what we got?!

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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July 8, 2024 9:23 am

5 days ago I posted a comment, “What will Yogi Roth do now?”. Is it just a coincidence that I just got this email yoption+podcast@substack.com?

Chris
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Chris
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July 7, 2024 2:50 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It’s human nature. Almost every professional, which these kids are, take the offer with the most money. Money = value. If a school offers more money, they value you more. It’s disingenuous to say it’s not 1 or 2 on the list for making a decision. If two schools are equal in opportunity, take the school offering the most money. The NFL is far from a guarantee, the NIL is. If it were development, Iowa and Utah would grab 5 star kids over Oregon and Texas A&M all day. Their hats are never even on the table.

Chris
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Chris
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July 7, 2024 3:20 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

never said top dollar wins them all, but it is a massive factor. What has Oregon, Miami, Texas A&M, or Auburn won lately? Answer is nothing. But they have huge collectives.

Chris
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Chris
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July 7, 2024 4:26 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Oregon has been a bigger winner than us for a decade. I hate it, but good for them. They spend huge dollars, good for them, it’s within the rules. But let’s not pretend they are some sort of NFL pipeline, or crazy developer of talent. They are putting about the same number of guys into the league as we are. W that are the other factors? They aren’t in the playoffs. They haven’t won any more conference titles than Utah or Washington. They’ve been a good not elite team. Where they excel is having a booster with a unique company… Read more »

Steveg
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Steveg
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July 9, 2024 7:09 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I have noticed that Alabama, a pretty consistent winner is having problems recruiting, especially in their own back yard.

Steveg
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Steveg
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July 9, 2024 11:27 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

No, it is the recruiting the Alabama boys they are having some problems with, I know they have a great class even without them.

parcelman007
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July 7, 2024 6:57 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

True there are many factors but the main one(by a large factor) is the size of the bag.

parcelman007
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July 8, 2024 10:30 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If I was a player and you were an coach(with great relationship skills) who was recruiting me and your school offered me $6000,000 and another school offered me $800,000 I think you would find out eventually that you got outrecruited because I’m not going to pass up $200,000 because I felt closer to you relationally.

parcelman007
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July 8, 2024 5:49 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It’s true that what I am saying is speculation. SC is a very private school. They don’t really give out a whole lot of info about anything. But I sure am hearing a lot of football pundants who say that they have inside sources saying things like that. It also makes me wonder why such a big and successful organization like USC is struggling with NIL since so many schools have had their NIL up and running since day one and here we are, 3 years into it, and we still seem to be struggling. More people agree with you… Read more »

Steveg
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Steveg
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July 9, 2024 7:13 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Hi Allen, I have to ask, how do you think USC would be doing in recruiting this year if there was no NIL or pay to play involved? In other words, without a monetary influence.

parcelman007
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July 9, 2024 11:04 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I hope you’re right

ATL D.D.S.
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July 8, 2024 7:18 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I would not be surprised if Riley has told his agent to make sotto voce inquiries for a NFL coordinator job in 2025. I think our lack of size is going to get us beat-up in the B1G and Riley knows it. Remember, the rumors were that Riley was not thrilled about OU leaving the Big 12 for the SEC….

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
July 8, 2024 12:11 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

More Finebaum opining that LR will be out at the end of the year. Yes, we know this is click bait on PF’s part, but it doesn’t negate the fact of what has happened on the field and in recruiting lately. LR really needs to turn things around this year in a dramatic fashion. Paul Finebaum Predicting Massive College Football Coach Firing In 2024 – The Spun And even if PF’s prediction comes true, it still begs the question of, “Ok, then who do we replace him with?” We’d be right back where we were in the last days of… Read more »

ATL D.D.S.
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July 9, 2024 10:52 am

I wonder if the outstanding defensive coaches hired this offseason could be a source of potential head coaching replacements? The guy from the Dakotas was a multiple national champ in Div 1-AA…. We have said that our most successful head coaches at SC definitely had more of a defensive mind set than the Kiffin-Sarkisian-Helton-Riley series we have had sine Pete Carroll took off.

ATL D.D.S.
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July 8, 2024 7:14 am
Reply to  Chris

“…the NFL is far from a guarantee, NIL is.” Chris, that is an excellent, simple point that hadn’t occurred to me until you brought up. It especially makes when you consider that 90% of the recruited kids do not come from financial circumstances that allow for the luxury of not going for the biggest bag of loot….

parcelman007
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July 6, 2024 11:19 pm

The guy from ‘Trojan Blade’ was saying that the problem with SC’s NIL program was a guy named Dave Emerick. It must be frustrating to knock yourself out(as a coach) with all the traveling and everything else involved to have a key player in your grips and then at the last moment have another school come along and put a lot more in the bag than your schools is willing to put in and all that hard work is wasted.

John Weld
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July 7, 2024 8:46 am
Reply to  parcelman007

This guy’s bio reads like he was a follower of Mike Leach and thus a disciple of Lincoln Riley. Not sure why he would be a road block for NIL program. Dave Emerick: Senior Associate Athletic Director for Football / General Manager Dave Emerick, who has spent almost 25 years working in college football, enters his second season as the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Football/General Manager. He joined the USC staff in July of 2022. Emerick, 43, spent the previous two years working at Mississippi State with the late head coach Mike Leach serving as the Bulldogs’ Senior Associate… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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July 7, 2024 9:18 am
Reply to  John Weld

Right John, he would seem to be the guy the staff tells to tell the collectives who they want and how much it will take to get him. He would be a coordinator not a road block.

Golden Trojan
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July 7, 2024 9:23 am
Reply to  parcelman007

007 I see 6 reasons USC is not yet getting 5* commitments. One reason is it seems the collectives and LR/staff do not want to promise hundreds of thousands if not a $million to HS juniors the summer before their senior season. The others USC has to show results on the field this fall. Things will hopefully change by December.

parcelman007
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July 6, 2024 11:55 am

Why would the Lakers spend such a high draft pick on Bronny? No dis-respect to Bronny but he never even averaged 5 points a game and shot 27% from the 3-point line.

parcelman007
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July 6, 2024 11:56 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It would have been nice to get him

Chris
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Chris
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July 5, 2024 10:21 am

With new new NCAA rule about advisory or analyst coaches being able to be more than just advisors, and can coach players. It also left room for expanded staffs. I would think that the big programs will expand staffs to include a full scouting department. One thing we do know for certain, our administration will spend money on football staff and facilities. We are building a monster football only facility, and you don’t get guys like Lynn, Entz, Henderson without writing checks. If our collective is not where the top schools are, let’s build the best staff and scouting dept… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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July 5, 2024 10:42 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Judging by the next post it would seem to be true. Riley needs just an average defense to go with his offense and Ferentz is just the opposite. Of course what would you have with Riley’s defense and Ferentz’s offense?! Whew! Ugly!

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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July 6, 2024 7:16 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

OH, you mean like a complete head coach with all the skills?! 😎

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 4, 2024 5:38 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Other big time HC on da Hot Seat, per what fans think and said.   Dave Aranda, Baylor   Billy Napier, Florida   Ryan Day, Ohio St   Mario Cristobal, Miami   Brent Venables, OU   Dabo Swinney, Clemson   I think if Dan Lanning, Oregon has a 9-3 record fans would be unhappy and he would be on da Hot Seat as well. There’s high expectations at Oregon with their loaded and deep Blue Chip players. Uncle Phil is up there in age and wants a NC badly, ASAP.   Also, if C.Deboer at Bama has a 9-3 type… Read more »

RialtoTrojan
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RialtoTrojan
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July 4, 2024 11:28 am

Happy Independence Day Trojans. Raise your hand if you ever thought (growing up) you would see the NCAA becoming the NCPAA? The National College Professional Athletic Association? The NCAA is probably on its last legs. I wonder how long it will be before all pretense is dropped and the NCAA calls itself the SEC governing board? Will one good season erase the memories of our most recent “bad” season? If so what is the minimum for a good season? Someone mentioned the John Robinson second era as not being very good. I seem to remember the team having been decimated… Read more »

Trojanfanatic
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July 4, 2024 10:27 am

Happy 4th everyone ! We’ve been all over the map as to why we are not getting our desired recruits and losing ones we had, at minimum as a soft commitment. Theories range from poor recruiting systems by LR or we’ve heard HOV is not funding competitive like other notable programs. A new one, which is interesting, is HOV is employing a filtering model that doesn’t necessarily pursue high dollar 4-5* recruits, at least competitively, focusing more on lower, perhaps more achievable recruits. If that’s the case, at least we have strategy. The ongoing fear is we can’t exactly figure… Read more »

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 4, 2024 7:17 am

Happy 4th to all da Bruddah’s and Sista’s at TDB. Have a great BBQ with family and friends & see a spectacular firework show in your town. Be safe and grind Ono Kau Kau. Oh, don’t drink and drive, be safe. Peace & Aloha

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 4, 2024 9:45 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Hah, I’m buying drinks if he verbals to USC and sticks in December. All indicators shows he is a heavy Ohio St lean… Cheers.

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 4, 2024 1:00 pm
Reply to  Canyon

Correction: Ohio St & Texas is in the lead for LB-Pettijohn.

Chris
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Chris
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July 3, 2024 5:41 pm

You cannot convince me that our largest re recruiting deficiency is Collective related. Let’s not pretend Texas A&M, Miami, or Oregon have won anything that makes them an elite destination. They have huge collectives and boosters that write checks. They are kicking our butt in pay for play and it’s not a secret.

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 3, 2024 7:17 pm
Reply to  Chris

House of Victory has ample funds. But, I’m beginning to believe the people running HOV have collectively said we are not going into bidding wars paying for 5* and 4+* players. They see that big spenders: Ohio St, Oregon, Texas AM, Texas, OU, ND, Miami have not produced NC and even conference championships. And, have come to a conclusion dat spending big bucks for 5* players are a bad model.   If I were in their shoes, hell I would not spend big bucks for 5* players too. I think by going after the top 4* and 3+* players is… Read more »

Jamaica
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July 4, 2024 9:16 am
Reply to  Canyon

It definitely isn’t free willing in its spending like the more aggressive programs. Nobody is pointing fingers what the hold up is in matching some of these bags being offered. Don’t know if it is a mutual understanding with the coaches, the administration & the HOV people of being very tight on the spending. On the other hand, we are talking about HS seniors and a few juniors in this legal payola and it could turn out some of these other spendthrift programs are going to be burned big time when it is all said and done. It’s July not… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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July 4, 2024 9:48 am
Reply to  Jamaica

USC has six headwinds to recruiting the 2025 class, a bad 2023 season record, a horrid 2023 defense, plays a soft finesse style of play, a new D staff that is not proven, collectives that are unwilling to offer HS juniors a million dollars and a still to be decided program for university pay for athletes. All this can change by December. If USC has a good season, shows it can run the ball as well as pass, has a physical shut down defense and recruits will come knocking. Let these HS juniors show us a great senior season before… Read more »

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 4, 2024 9:55 am
Reply to  Jamaica

You wrote: We have been told by some knowledgeable sources, HOV is playing this situation very smartly right now. We may be very thankful we are using our head and not our emotion. Xlent points Bruddah Jamaica; I think you got it right with USC & HOV. Hell why spend mucho bucks on 5* players looking out for their financial gain vs playing football? Let the other high paying schools pay for these type of money hungry players. So far it has not pan out for them. Let’s go out find players looking for a small payout and want to… Read more »

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 4, 2024 12:55 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

You wrote. OHIO ST’s probably gonna play for the 2024 NC. I’d say whatever they’re doing is working out just fine for them.   Huh?  I’ve been reading mucho disgruntel fans wanting C.Ryan Day out cause he has not produce a NC with all their elite talent. Ohio St has the most 5* and 4* talent in da nation. I do not know how you can say dat Bruddah Allen. If I was one of their money man or fan I would be unhappy with him too.  For his job sake, C.R.Day better deliver a NC dis year.  C.Day is… Read more »

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 4, 2024 3:32 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I responded to your post and wrote what I’ve read at the Ohio St board. C.Ryan Day is on the Hot Seat. Sure, those records you’ve posted are good for many schools & HC. But, Ohio St has the best talent in da nation, 2 to 3 deep at every position (UGA and Bama is right up there as well) and yet C.Day has not won a NC.   Maybe it’s unfair for C.Day, but he’s the HC for a high profile team. Their Bag Men have spent mucho $1 on elite talent. If you were one of them or… Read more »

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 4, 2024 5:12 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I replied to this tread stating what I read at the Ohio St board of many unhappy fans that C.R.Day has not won a NC with all the elite talent. I never once said dis is what I thought. Could care less about Ohio St, I’m not a fan. Got an idea, maybe you can convince Ohio St fans dat C.Day is doing a good job. Also, I never made any reference and comparison with C.Day vs C.LR job results. Where did dat come from? 1st post, I made a comment on several schools spending mucho $1 on blue chip… Read more »

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 4, 2024 6:08 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Sorry Bruddah, I did not ask you this question: You asked if I would be happy if Ryan Day was our coach? I asked you if you were Ohio St bag men or fan, would you be happy with C.Day’s results (No NC)? Kool, you responded giving C.Day your full approval.   As for me, I would not want C.Day as USC HC. I’ve watched him over the years at Ohio St, I do not think he’s a top HC. Heck, if C.Day can not win a NC at Ohio St with all dat elite talent, he would die at USC & the 3* roster.  … Read more »

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
July 5, 2024 4:24 pm
Reply to  Canyon

Makes me wonder who the disgruntled fans would select (realistically) to replace Day that would have better results. Any names thrown out there on the buckeye boards? (I’ve no interest in going there myself.)

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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July 3, 2024 4:10 pm

I don’t think LR attracts anybody except QBs and perhaps WRs. He better show results in ’24 or he needs to go elsewhere. These recruiting losses are most concerning….

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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July 3, 2024 1:30 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If a tree falls in the forest and nobody hears it….. What will Yogi Roth do now?

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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July 3, 2024 4:07 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

whozat?

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 3, 2024 5:25 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Dam, pose pics cracks me up. Yogi looking to add this shot into his model portfolio, lol. Dang, what are those, 6″ waves? Wipe out Brah. He should have picked a day when the waves were at least 5 feet. Or, go to Hawaii on a day with 15 feet waves. Cheers.

Chris
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Chris
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July 3, 2024 1:36 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I live out of state, so I had no issues getting it. It was fine, but clearly 2nd rate compared to Big10 network.

Golden Trojan
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July 2, 2024 5:52 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

USC has to prove they are serious about Strength and Conditioning, not just speed but also strength, toughness and endurance. They are seen as soft till proven otherwise.

Canyon
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Canyon
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July 3, 2024 5:39 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Agree Bruddah Golden Trojan, C.LR teams from OU to USC have been soft and about finesse. Also not in good FB condition. Whereas, C.McKay & C.PC teams were very physical, pound you, OL great pan cake blocking, gang tackling-LB & DB, mean Fullback, hard running RB’s, man eating DL. DC DA Lynn D’s are very physical (his UCLA 2023 D was awesome). I just hope C.LR leaves him alone and allow him to run his D and condtioning program his way. If dat happens I think there is a good chance for a 10-2 season? And, HS players should take… Read more »

parcelman007
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July 3, 2024 11:06 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It’s the $$$$$$$$$. Same with the LB from Bonita high school in La Verne. That kid really wanted to come to SC. I don’t know how many times he visited SC. It’s close to home and SC got an early start with him. But the Aggies offered him a bigger bag. He had the choice of being a fairly rich Trojan and a bigtime rich Aggie. After thinking about it for about 2 seconds he said “adios Trojans, I’m off to Aggieland”.

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July 3, 2024 1:29 pm
Reply to  parcelman007

AM has a rep for overpaying and getting little in return. TAM went 7-6 (4-4) for 7th place in the SEC last year. If I’m the kid and his parents it would be hard to turn down a high 6 figure deal or more. You can always transfer after a year if it doesn’t work and you get other offers. If I’m the SC collectives, how much do I want to pay a 17 year old? Losing a guy who just wants/needs the money is not a big loss to me.

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July 2, 2024 2:12 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He will definitely be a project but promising if he can gain quickness and build muscle. Just keep him hungry in developing physically & mentally. Could be another Don Mosebar!

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July 2, 2024 1:00 pm

Purely off my lifetime of watching USC football –
Pete is the coach which is easy call, I was too young for the other greats (Robinson II, wasn’t great). Matt Leinart, Troy Polamalu, Reggie, Chris Claiborne go up on the mountain. With 30 Or so honorable mentions.

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July 2, 2024 9:15 am

In todays SD Union-Tribune Jon Wilner On College Football names each Pac12 teams Mt Rushmore (top 5 coach/players).
 
USC
Coach: John McKay
Players: RB Marcus Allen, RB Reggie Bush, S Ronnie Lott, OT Anthony Muñoz
Also considered: OG Bruce Matthews, WR Keyshawn Johnson, RB Charles White, LB Richard
Wood, OT Ron Yary
Comment: An impossible task given USC’s incredible tradition. Several Heisman winners did not make the cut; nor did coach Pete Carroll, despite his decade-long dynasty. And we should mention our standards for inclusion, while modest, leave no room on Mt.Rushmore for anyone accused of double murder.

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July 2, 2024 9:32 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Kinda dumb by Jon Wilder; I do not think he understands the history of USC, UCLA, Stanford, UDub. The Mt. Rushmore list for these 4 schools should be = 20 to 25. These teams had mucho AA players + Heisman’s. Top 5 is just way too small & silly to pick. OK, the other schools would apply. But, C.PC should be mentioned, #2 HC. And, QB C.Williams has got to be in the top 20-25 list. Disagree with OJ he should make da top 10 list. He was a great RB for USC and one of da greatest RB of… Read more »

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July 2, 2024 9:45 am
Reply to  Canyon

It is a bit dumb. Guess the four players go on Mt Rushmore not the coach. Heisman Trophy winners and NC coaches should be at least be considered, Right?! Are these USC’s 4 best/most impactful players?

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July 2, 2024 10:55 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Sorry Bruddah, gotta respectfully disagree. I’m sitting here for an hour and having a very tough time even listing a top 10 all time best players. I just can’t do it.

Yep, 100% Munoz should not be there, he hardly played due to mucho injuries. Cheers.

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July 2, 2024 12:03 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

How about moving up Bruce Mathews or Ron Yary? Yary always seems to show up on an all star list.

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July 2, 2024 4:27 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Very good choices Golden Trojan. Close call, I say Ron Yary…

volunteerTrojan
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July 3, 2024 7:54 am
Reply to  Canyon

I’d also go with Yary since I’m also a Vikes fan.

volunteerTrojan
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July 3, 2024 7:52 am
Reply to  Canyon

Well Canyon, there are only 4 people chisled on Mt Rushmore, which I think is the point of the challenge. There have been other great presidents, but the mountain only had room for 4 at that size. You wouldn’t use a Rushmore reference for 25 people, maybe something else, like, oh, maybe Top 25. 😉

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July 3, 2024 12:18 pm

No, I understand there are only 4 on Mt.R. OK then, my response should have been, I can’t choose just 4 and that would have been a better reply… Cheers. 🙂

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July 2, 2024 12:05 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

I think it’s obvious if PC had matched McKay’s time at USC, 16 years versus 9, he would have easily passed McKay’s 140 wins. It’s just being honest about it.

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July 2, 2024 2:06 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

There are reasons to believe PC was ready to leave for the NFL before the sanctions were announced. Seems after 2005/6, especially when Mark Sanchez bolted after his junior year, PC had meetings with interested owners during each summer after that if you remember. I am not saying the sanctions didn’t affect his thinking. It probably expedited his leaving. But he was entertaining offers years before the sanctions hit. He wanted to go back and conquer the NFL being the competitor he is. Now having said that, if any HC could have quickly recovered from whatever sanctions USC got hit… Read more »

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July 2, 2024 8:04 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Yeah, it’s clear C.LR is just an average recruiter. He has deficiencies’ in many areas of recruiting listed below. At $10 million per year we should have top 3 recruiter & recruiting program. Heck, I do not know what makes a Great recruiter; but, I would think a good recruiter is like a top salesman. A top recruiter should have these qualities and traits.   Likeability and wonderful personality. He must be able to relate to kids and figure out their mindset. Show self Confidence.   Proficient psychology skills. Intuitive, sensitive, perceptive, understanding skills.   Very persuasive and A+ communication skills.   Set out individual… Read more »

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June 30, 2024 9:22 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Nice pickup. Gotta land Phil Bell, 4+* WR, Mission Viejo.

Canyon
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July 1, 2024 7:54 am
Reply to  Canyon

Classic recruiting sites list him anywhere from 6-2 to 6-5? Search da internet, found his 100 m PR = 11.7 = 10.6 100 yds. Average speed. But, if he trained with a track coach 3 to 4 times a week, he would lower his time to 11.2 to 11.1 in one year. Train harder = 11.0

Saw his photos standing next to family members, he looks more like 6-3.

Corey was All League in FB & basketball as well. We’re getting a very good athlete. Cheers.

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July 2, 2024 7:12 am
Reply to  Canyon

If I were a FB coach, my pre-requisite speed would be 11.1, 100 m and faster. Also, being a very good basketball player in HS is a big plus.

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June 30, 2024 8:12 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Just a small player list dat are making verbals soon.
 
Marco Jones, 4* DE, Calif, experts predict Tx AM
 
Noah Mikhal, 4* LB, Calif, experts predict Tx AM or Ducks
 
Madden Faramino, 4* LB, Calif, experts predict ND
 
Jonah Williams, 5* LB, Tx, experts predict Tx AM
 
Dang, Tx AM is killing it, getting top Calif players. Sad, Calif top players are Not gonna play for USC. USC’s recruiting is in a sad state. Wonder how the USC fans dat are paying subscribers feel and think having to see bad news weekly?  Gotta be pissed. Cheers.

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June 29, 2024 6:33 pm

Random but interesting. USC has played the old Big10 for 98 years. The first was a win against Iowa in 1925 and the last was a loss to Iowa in 2019. Clay Helton was 8-10 against the current BIG, while LR is 1-3. Despite recent struggles USC is 75-30 against the old BIG with a winning record against every current member, 214-117 overall. As they say on Wall Street past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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June 29, 2024 11:06 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Wow and both teams they were on sucked!

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June 28, 2024 11:02 pm

So the Lakers, one of best franchises in the NBA, now have a coach who has never coached at any level and a not ready for prime time player on the payroll. It’s a statement kinda like saying the emperor has no clothes on, it obvious to everyone, but everyone seems to be afraid to point it out. I wonder how season ticket holders feel.

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June 29, 2024 4:39 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Correction: Reddick was the volunteer coach for his son’s 4th grade basketball team! So I don’t follow the NBA, just guessing, Lebron is the real head coach and Reddick will be Bronny’s shooting coach?

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June 29, 2024 5:47 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Reddick has experience working with kids!

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June 29, 2024 11:38 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

They’ve been a mess for a while now. Lebron and AD aren’t ever healthy at same time. No shooters around them. Knecht will help with that. NBA coaches don’t do much, stars win games, always have. The biggest job for Redick will be roster construction. Not sure how it will work out, but I’m stuck with them.

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June 29, 2024 12:03 pm
Reply to  Chris

Jeanie calls all the shots. GM Pelinka and now C.Redick are pawns and pretty much useless. Pelinka knows nothing about basketball and how to build a basketball team. Redick is inexperienced coach & will be learning on da job. Do you believe da players will listen to anything Redick says in practice and in games? Since C.Phil Jackson left, Jeanie must have hired what 6-7 coaches (?) and spent 150+ million? She has to be one of the worst owners in da NBA. After this draft move (Bronny James) da Lakers is FU and a lost cause . No interest… Read more »