**CHICAGO (AP)** — Bronny James carries lingering fears but also holds grand aspirations.

Nearly a year after suffering cardiac arrest during a workout, he’s closing in on his dream of playing in the NBA, following in the footsteps of his illustrious father.

“It’s an incredible blessing for me, being grateful for everything,” James shared at the NBA draft combine. “I’ve worked hard to get back here, and I feel like I’ve earned this chance. I’m very thankful for everything given to me.”

On Tuesday, James participated in a scrimmage after completing drills the previous day, showcasing a vertical leap of 40 1/2 inches and a height of 6-foot-1 1/2 without shoes, though USC listed him at 6-4. He also took questions from reporters, a rarity for him last season.

The son of NBA’s all-time scoring leader, LeBron James, Bronny was among the nation’s top prospects when he chose to stay close to home, committing to USC last May from Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth. However, last summer took an unexpected turn.

In late July, James suffered cardiac arrest during a basketball workout at USC due to a congenital heart defect, necessitating surgery. He was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and later received care at the Mayo Clinic and Atlantic Health-Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey.

“It was definitely a challenging time,” he recalled. “All the hard work built me into someone who wouldn’t give up. It paid off because I kept working hard after that, and now I’m back where I want to be.”

James acknowledged the possibility of never playing again was discussed, and the fear from the cardiac arrest still lingers.

“My parents were crucial, believing in me and giving me the love and support I needed,” he said. “I still think about what could happen, but my love for the game outweighs the fear.”

James missed the first month of the season, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 25 games for the Trojans.

“Going through that would set anyone back,” said Isaiah Collier, a projected first-round pick after starring as a freshman at USC. “You’ll soon see what he’s really capable of. Bronny is a great player and deserves to be here. He’s going to be fine.”

USC had a 15-18 overall record and went 8-12 in the Pac-12 in a season marked by numerous player injuries. The Trojans missed the NCAA Tournament after three straight appearances, and coach Andy Enfield left to take a job at SMU.

James declared for the draft and entered the transfer portal on April 5, just hours before USC introduced Eric Musselman as the new coach. He has until later this month to decide whether to turn pro or play another year in college.

James only spoke to the media once last season, following his first game, to thank the doctors, athletic trainers, and support system that helped him return to play. He did not take questions then and, despite many requests, did not grant interviews afterward, following his advisors’ counsel.

LeBron James, his wife, and daughter were frequent attendees at USC games. The elder James has expressed a desire to play alongside his son. The four-time MVP and NBA champion just finished his 21st season and could become a free agent if he opts out of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. However, following a season-ending loss to Denver, he mentioned he hasn’t “given much thought lately” to playing with his son.

“The young man has to decide what he wants to do. The fact that we’re even having this conversation is pretty cool,” he said.

Bronny James clarified that his goal is to make it to the NBA, not necessarily to play on the same team as LeBron.

“My dream has always been to make a name for myself and get to the NBA,” he said. “I never thought about playing with my dad, although he’s mentioned it a few times.”

Bronny dismissed the notion that a team might draft him solely to attract his father.

“This is serious business,” he said. “I don’t think a GM would draft me just to get my dad. I’ve worked hard, and I’ll be drafted because of who I am as a player and a person.”