Rutgers emerges as legit suitor for Bronny James

Bronny James is the son of Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and one of the most highly-scrutinized high school basketball players in the country.

Because of his lineage and hype that has accompanied him from an early age, Bronny’s future has been much-discussed over the past few years.

To date, four notable college basketball dynasties have been considered as the likeliest landing spots for him when he graduates.

This week a new contender seemed to toss its hat into the mix.

According to Billy Witz and Adam Zagoria of the New York Times, a dark horse candidate has emerged for Bronny’s services: Rutgers.

“One school making an unexpected push to recruit James is Rutgers, a basketball striver,” they wrote.

“As far-fetched as it might seem, Rutgers is hoping Coach Steve Pikiell’s strong record of development — turning lightly regarded recruits such as Geo Baker, Ron Harper Jr. and Myles Johnson into decorated Big Ten players — carries some appeal to James.”

Bronny is a fascinating young prospect. He recently plummeted down the national rankings, but not for a legitimate reason anyone can quantify or explain. Nothing has really changed aside from size comparisons between him and 15-year-old brother, Bryce.

But given that size does matter the more you advance in your basketball career (just ask Michael Jordan’s brother), it’s easy to see why NBA scouts view Bryce as the better prospect.

That being said, some scouts have also given Bronny glowing endorsements – so take from that what you will.

Big picture, Bronny has some raw potential that needs to be tapped into. And it’s unsurprising that the James family is doing its due diligence on who the best coach to do that is.

Moreover, no can argue with Bronny’s mental strength. When you factor in his controversial photos with his new girlfriend and his purported role in Russell Westbrook coming to the Lakers, he has been in the news nonstop. And yet the kid is unflappable. Nothing gets to him.

He has LeBron’s mental strength. This much we know.

What sort of college player will Bronny eventually be? Is NBA success ultimately in his future?

An answer will emerge soon enough.