“Some people’s development is not for the collegiate game”: Rich Paul explains Bronny James’ low college stats

Ever since Bronny James decided to enter the NBA draft in April, his college stats have been held against him by fans and experts. He is scrutinized for his dismal stint with the USC Trojans, where he averaged 4.8 points (36.6% from the field and 26.7% from three) alongside 2.8 rebounds under 19.4 minutes of court time.

Nevertheless, James got an invitation to the combine and managed to turn heads with his torching shooting touch and leadership qualities. With that, his agent Rich Paul confidently claims that some players grow more in the big league than the collegiate circuit, mostly because of their competitive and structural differences.

"So you look past the medical thing, he should just be this superhuman of a young man and average 55 points a game," Rich Paul said while speaking on Gil's Arena [Timestamp: 8:05]. "As we know, some people's game and some people's development is not for the collegiate game.

"I personally think you develop better at a pro level. Why? Because there is more intention on your development. At the collegiate level, every game depends on what school you go to."

Rich Paul also argues that players' development revolves around the necessity of mounting a deep run to the NCAA tournament in the collegiate circuit, unintentionally gatekeeping a player's true potential.

Moreover, he also sheds light on the effects of overall coaching, rotations and roles of a program, which could give varying results for each player.

NBA expert thinks that USC did not present the best situation for Bronny James

While a lot of blame behind Bronny James' disappointing season with the Trojans can be cited to his medical concerns, NBA expert Brian Windhorst believes that USC's staff failed to effectively utilize the defensive guard.

Despite Bronny James being a point guard in high school, he was often directed to the wing at USC. Returning guards Boogie Ellis and Isaiah Collier mostly dominated the ball. Moreover, James was seen warming the bench and was part of the starting lineup for just six games out of 25.

Bronny James missed months of practice due to his medical condition. It was a stretch where teams usually work on analyzing a player's fit while providing opportunities for them to forge a partnership and camaraderie. James' absence during this time could be one of the possible reasons behind the lack of USC's approach.