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          Bronny James, Bryce James and CBC play three-game Europe trip: Analysis, highlights and more

          Bronny James and his brother, Bryce, take the court together. Their father, LeBron James, tweeted, "This is INSANE!! I'm EMOTIONAL AF!!" @SCNext
          • Paul BiancardiAug 18, 2022, 03:00 PM ET
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            • National Recruiting Director for ESPN.com
            • 18 years of coaching experience at Division I level
            • Former Horizon League coach of the year at Wright State
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          The California Basketball Club's roster features four players whose fathers are NBA legends.

          Bronny James and his younger brother, Bryce, are the sons of LeBron James. Ashton Hardaway, Bronny's teammate at Sierra Canyon (California) High School, is the son of Memphis coach and four-time NBA All-Star Penny Hardaway. And Justin Pippen, another Sierra Canyon player, is the son of Naismith Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen (as well as the brother of Lakers rookie Scotty Jr.).

          The team went 1-2, playing three games in a 12-day span across Europe. CBC opened with an 81-74 loss to Hoopsfix Elite (London) at Copper Box Arena on Aug. 11, and followed with a 97-85 loss to U18 French Select in Paris on Aug. 15, despite a game-high 25 points from Bronny.

          But CBC rebounded on Aug. 18 with a 60-57 victory over A.S. Stella Azzurra (Italy) at Arena Altero Felici in Rome. Bronny filled the stat sheet with seven points, six rebounds, five steals, three assists and two blocks, while Hardaway scored 21 points and brought down eight rebounds.

          We break down how the team played and what we learned from each game, and provide analysis and scouting reports on key players, including Bronny, who is currently the No. 39-ranked recruit overall in the 2023 ESPN 100.

          Schedule

          • CBC loses to London, 81-74 (Aug. 11)

          • CBC loses to Paris, 97-85 (Aug. 15)

          • CBC beats Rome, 60-57 (Aug. 18)

          Jump to:
          Rome highlights | Paris highlights
          London takeaways | Preview

          Highlights from Rome

          Bronny's chase-down block

          Down 41-36, James made a momentum-changing play: a chase-down block that led him in offensive transition with the ball in the open floor, where he made a kick-ahead pass to teammate Ashton Hardaway, who drained the 3-pointer from the left corner. It was a five-point swing without him scoring.

          James didn't score early, as the defense pressured him on the catch or dribble and denied him of the ball. It was effective at first, but as the game went on, he became more comfortable attacking the basket. He got some space and laid the ball up and in, seemingly settling in more.

          Down the stretch, James provided words of encouragement to his teammates, and they clamped down when they needed to hold on for the win. James is getting acclimated with a new role as a senior, where he will have to score, set up others and guard the opposing point guard.

          Ashton Hardaway

          CBC got off to a slow start, trailing 14-1 early, but Hardaway got cooking, scoring 12 of his 21 points in the first half to cut the deficit to one at the break.

          His shots all came off the catch, as his shot readiness and results were impressive. His shot-making prowess is why so many high major schools like USC, Oklahoma State, Auburn and Texas Tech (among several others) are recruiting him.

          Hardaway also showed his playmaking ability as a ball handler and passer. He delivered a beautiful pass from the pick-and-roll to Jimmy Oladokun for the layup. Hardaway's game and frame is reminiscent of former UCLA and current Minnesota Timberwolves small forward Kyle Anderson.

          Jimmy Oladokun

          Speaking of Oladokun, he was the team's best scoring threat inside, yet he can also step away to face up and drive, or be a capable shooter with limited attempts. He does a nice job putting the ball on the deck against bigger and taller defenders.

          He had a 16-point, 10-rebound double-double in the win, battling inside to protect the rim and working the glass. He is best rebounding in the paint and finishing at the rim and was an X factor on Thursday.

          Highlights from Paris

          Bronny's poster

          Bronny scored a game-high 25 points, including a couple of highlight-reel dunks, going coast to coast, driving down the left lane and punching it home with his right hand.

          One dunk in particular caught the eye of Utah Jazz star Donovan Mitchell.

          His 25-point performance came on 10-of-22 shooting, including 2-of-6 from distance, and making all three of his foul shots. It served as one of his top performances of the summer, and he appeared more confident with his jumper, even when the defense loaded up on him.

          Bryce Cofield

          The sophomore continues to show up and show out by contributing in different ways. He has demonstrated an impressive ability to score within the flow of action or making a sound decision to break off a play.

          He scored 16 points on 6-of-10 shooting, hitting all four of his free throws and also grabbing seven rebounds. He displayed his high vertical with another eye-popping dunk. He has a knack for finishing strong, and his midrange jumper is also more than capable.

          Victor Wembanyama

          The favorite to be the No. 1 NBA draft pick in 2023 made an appearance on the broadcast, discussing changing club teams, his first experience in the U.S. and who he models his game after -- he said elements of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kevin Durant and Rudy Gobert.

          Wembanyama's physical measurements are unique. He stands at 7-foot-3 with an 8-foot wingspan and a 9-7 standing reach. His offensive game has fluidity, finesse and touch. His shot-blocking presence on defense is unparalleled.

          There is a growing idea that after he joins the NBA, his younger brother, Oscar, will also come to the U.S. to play high school basketball and be close to him.

          What we learned in London

          James brothers

          Bronny and Bryce played together for the first time. Bronny had a solid floor game with 11 points, six rebounds and three assists, as that is one of his major strengths. He went 4-for-4 from inside the arc and rim, but was 0-for-6 from distance.

          But the beauty of his game is he can help his team even when his shot-making is off. A perfect example was when he turned the ball over, then quickly converted to back-tap the ball and create a steal.

          Bryce received a roaring ovation when he came off the bench. He scored four points on 2-of-5 shooting, making a couple of nice drives and getting his feet wet on the big stage.

          And of course, LeBron was overwhelmed with joy to see both his sons on the floor for the first time on a competitive stage.

          Majok Choul

          Going into the game, I knew of his shot-blocking ability, but what impressed me most was his strong motor throughout the game. His focus on effort was evident, rebounding outside of his area and giving help on defense on multiple plays. It carried over to the rest of his team.

          At 6-10, his mobility to go from one end of the floor to the other makes him valuable, as does his agility to move his feet in tight spaces on ball-screen coverages. He finished with 11 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks.

          Bryce Cofield

          Cofield, a sophomore, was comfortable and confident attacking the hoop, scoring 14 points on 7-of-14 shooting by way of transition baskets, drives and free throws, also bringing down seven rebounds.

          While Isaiah Elohim, the No. 2 recruit in the 2024 ESPN 60, did not make the trip because of a patella injury, Cofield took advantage of a bigger role. He started the game with a midrange turnaround jumper from the right wing and later made a statement, highlight-reel dunk.

          What to watch for

          1. PG Bronny James
          6-foot-3, 180 pounds
          2023 ESPN 100 ranking: 39

          It seems just a short time ago, James was the new kid on the block as a freshman at Sierra Canyon, playing with the likes of Brandon Boston Jr., Ziaire Williams and Amari Bailey. Now, he is the elder statesman and leader of the team.

          The game has slowed down for him, as James is able to compete with intensity, make sound decisions under pressure and produce against high-level competition. Throughout his high school career, he has done an excellent job at navigating the spotlight of being the son of an 18-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA Finals MVP. He has concentrated on improving himself instead of trying to prove himself.

          This week, James, the No. 39 prospect in the 2023 ESPN 100, will face international competition, which will not only be an opportunity for him to show what he can do on the court in terms of playing, but also his leadership as a rising senior. It will be important for him to use his voice to lead his team and encourage others in the right moments, especially because players on the team gravitate toward him.

          Although it's still relatively early in the recruiting process, there is a strong feeling he will take the college route as opposed to the G League Ignite or other developmental leagues. He is being pursued by the likes of UCLA, USC, Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon, among others.

          2. SF Bryce James
          6-foot-4, 175 pounds
          2025 ESPN 25 ranking: unranked

          Not only will this be Bryce's first year on the varsity squad, but it will also be the first time the James brothers take the floor together in a competitive setting. The younger James is noted for his outside shooting and skill as he has grown to 6-4 as a rising sophomore.

          Much like his older brother, Bryce looks to do what's best for the team first and make the right play. Where he differs from Bronny is that he will let his thoughts be known when the game starts to get more intense.

          At the 2018 NBA All-Star Game, Bryce stood at his father's chest; now, they're almost at eye level. Even last year, according to a staff member, Bryce stood at 6-foot-1 -- and he still has room to grow. That also means his game has plenty of room for development. He is expected to contribute this year and has the opportunity to make a big jump next season.

          3. SF Ashton Hardaway
          6-foot-7, 195 pounds
          2023 ESPN 100 ranking: unranked (four stars)

          Hardaway possesses strong basketball instincts with a prowess for making shots, even though he struggled at times during Peach Jam. He operates well out of the high post as a triple-threat player. He can excel as a screener, helping space the floor and also shoot the ball. In off-ball screening actions, he can slip or pop to open areas for clean looks. At times, Hardaway has also demonstrated the ability to handle the ball as a second side pick-and-roll threat.

          He works hard and is competitive, which are two important traits. Two areas of focus are his free throw shooting and rebounding. He doesn't get to the line often, and his free throw percentage at the Nike EYBL was 57%. On the glass, he needs to rebound through contact at a higher clip to be more productive. That said, Hardaway owns a long frame and is teachable.

          The teams that have expressed interest in the rising senior's recruitment have been growing. So far, that list includes USC, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, San Diego State, Auburn, Virginia, Arizona State, Texas, Maryland and Illinois.

          4. PG Justin Pippen
          6-foot-1, 160 pounds
          2024 ESPN 60 ranking: unranked

          Pippen is starting to blossom on the scene after his development was slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on scheduling. He has a scoring point guard's game, as he looks to create for others and make the pass from his dribble penetration. And at a moment's notice, he can shift gears and become a scoring threat.

          He is a bit more vocal than his older brother and might have more natural ability at this same stage. Scottie was a dedicated worker who improved each season and whose body eventually caught up to his skill and game instincts. Justin could take a similar path, but these three games could serve as a breakout opportunity.