USC’s Bronny James hits the road: Top questions after debut

USC freshman guard Bronny James passed a major hurdle in his comeback from cardiac arrest during last Sunday’s debut in a 84-79 upset loss in overtime to Long Beach State.

Now that he is back on the court, James turns his attention to his first college road games, including a Sunday clash against Auburn (1 p.m. ET, ESPN) followed by a contest against Alabama State on Tuesday.

After playing in front of a sellout crowd at the Galen Center, including his father, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, the younger James will need to navigate what should be an electric crowd on Sunday.

“It could be one of the hottest tickets in Neville Arena history for a nonconference game,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl told AL.com on Wednesday.

But the road show won’t end after two games in Alabama. James and USC will begin Pac-12 play at Oregon (Dec. 28, ESPN2) and at Oregon State (Dec. 30). USC will not play at home until Jan. 3 against California.

James is expected to remain on a minutes restriction against Auburn. Regardless, it should be a raucous atmosphere for two teams that are looking to bolster their résumés for the selection committee.

Here’s three questions facing James and the Trojans as they close out their nonconference schedule.

What stood out about Bronny James in his USC debut?

James, who had 4 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in 17 minutes in the loss to Long Beach State, showed that athleticism runs in the family.

The freshman, listed at 6-foot-4, had a spectacular chase-down block in the first half that looked a lot like the patented defensive swats by his dad.

James also displayed defensive skills, moving his feet quickly and being disruptive with his hands. He had a big steal late in regulation before the Trojans lost in overtime. Staying in front of Auburn’s scorers, such as former five-star recruit Aden Holloway, could be tougher.

Offensively, James can be a connector, moving the ball and making the right play. He doesn’t force anything offensively. He will also look to help USC stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting.

What will he need…