Andy Enfield begins to confront the pressure of coaching Bronny James

Andy Enfield isn’t dumb. He knew what he was getting into when he recruited Bronny James. He knew that if he could land Bronny, he would face exponentially more media scrutiny than at any previous point in his coaching career.

Keep in mind that Enfield has coached in the Elite Eight. He took Florida Gulf Coast to the Sweet 16 as a No. 15 seed. As the coach of “Dunk City,” he was hugely in demand as a figure media outlets wanted to talk to. Enfield has dealt with surges in visibility and attention from national and Los Angeles-based media organizations.

Yet, nothing will compare to coaching LeBron James’ son and having LeBron attend USC games at the Galen Center when he can. Everything will exist on a whole new level.

As Justin Mendoza of USA TODAY Sports notes, Enfield has begun to talk about this new world and assess what it will be like to coach the son of LeBron and Savannah James, two proud basketball parents with big expectations.

Here are some details from Mendoza’s story:

ENFIELD WITH ESPN

Mar 18, 2022; Greenville, SC, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Andy Enfield reacts against the Miami Hurricanes during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Enfield knows that Stephen A. Smith and other national media personalities will have a sudden interest in USC hoops.

Mendoza noted that “Enfield spoke with ESPN after the eldest son of LeBron James committed to play for the Trojans on May 6, saying parents Lebron and Savannah James have been ‘extremely supportive’ of their son’s college choice.”

Enfield definitely has a tall task in front of him to manage expectations yet also remain firmly aspirational. You can see this process — this balancing act — begin to develop at USC.

ENCOURAGEMENT, NOT EGO

Mar 28, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; West guard Bronny James (6) poses for a family photo with grandmother Gloria Marie James, mother Savannah James , brother Bryce Maximus…