The college basketball world is always looking for the next superstar. Now more than ever, elite high school athletes are shining on the court and gathering national hype before any professional career begins.
This year, it’s easy to guess who the star will be. Bronny James is eligible to commit to a college to play basketball, and fans around the country are waiting for a decision.
LeBron James Jr. Needs No Introduction
It’s easy to receive too much hype with the family tree of James. After all, his name is literally LeBron James Jr.
However, he has earned a four-star rating with his athleticism and ability to make high-level plays. He models his game after Russell Westbrook, and he will be playing D1 basketball within a year.
LeBron never played college ball, but his son is about to decide where he goes. It will be a personal decision, but there is no doubt that there will be financial implications.
In fact, if we look at the betting odds, BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review) has a bet for where he will play next. With that in mind, what are the best value bets for Bronny?
Duke Blue Devils (+800)
Duke has a lot going for itself. It’s a Nike school, which is a green flag for any team trying to recruit Bronny. Duke also has a championship pedigree, so it can put up a great recruiting pitch.
Mike Krzyzewski Is Family
While Coach K is no longer the head coach for the Blue Devils, he has an office and will likely keep a presence in Durham.
He has a strong relationship with the James family after coaching LeBron on Team USA.
That relationship is stronger than most coaches have, so Duke could have the inside track.
Duke Already Has Many Stars
For this bet, the real question is whether the Blue Devils would want James. After all, he is 41st overall in the class and would likely only play for one season.
Duke has plenty of five-star players, and they usually save other spots for guys who will eventually become veterans.
From a PR perspective, this is the perfect fit. However, there’s more to recruiting than PR.
James might prefer a school on the West coast or an opportunity to play more as a freshman. This is interesting, but I wouldn’t lock it in just yet.
Ohio State Buckeyes (+1400)
LeBron has always said that he would have gone to Ohio State if he were to have played college basketball.
Now, that doesn’t mean much for Bronny. Still, the connection to the state of Ohio is interesting.
LeBron’s Bond With the Buckeyes
LeBron is an OSU fan, and his son has probably spent time watching the Buckeyes. That may sway him as he makes his decision. Still, players make their own choices.
Plenty of superstars have gone against the traditions of the family. Arch Manning chose Texas over Tennessee and Ole Miss. James will make his own decision.
Still, the value of this betting pick is nice, considering the connection to the school and the state of Ohio.
Michigan Wolverines (+1800)
I love this value for a simple reason. LeBron used to play with Juwan Howard, who is now the head coach of the Wolverines.
Coach-Player Connection
Howard has a personal connection stronger than any coach in the country, and he would be a great mentor for Bronny.
He knows what it takes to go from college hoops to the NBA, and he could get Bronny where he needs to be. If the family wants to have an impact on this decision, this fit would make sense.
The only concern is that Michigan is a Jordan school instead of strictly Nike. However, there is still a working relationship with the brands there, and this is better than choosing an Adidas school.
Will Bronny Go to College?
Bronny is definitely talented enough to play college basketball, and he would likely be a draft prospect after one or two seasons.
However, he could consider playing in the G League. He is comfortable with the traveling and professional environment, so he may take this path.
Plenty of elite prospects have chosen to go pro instead of going to college. James would make enough NIL money to counterbalance the pay gap, but he may choose a pipeline to the NBA over a college.
*The line and/or odds in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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