Incoming sophomore Vincent Iwuchukwu, a 7-foot-1 center for the USC Trojans, suffered a cardiac arrest during a team practice last year on July 1, 2022.
Team staff performed CPR within seconds, while another brought out the automated external defibrillator (AED) outside the locker room. As the AED was deployed, Iwuchukwu's eyes opened wide. He was eventually brought to the hospital for further tests.
The incident last year helped the Trojans' medical staff to be well prepared for Bronny James' similar health scare last Monday. The son of Lakers superstar LeBron James also suffered a cardiac arrest during a USC practice and is now stable.
The 18-year-old was able to get out of the ICU within 24 hours of his hospital admission, which is a great sign.
James' short time in the ICU implies that USC's response to his sudden cardiac arrest was "masterfully executed," according to Dr. Michael Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist with the Mayo Clinic, per Los Angeles Times.
Read more: Bronny James Suffers From Cardiac Arrest In USC Practice
Vincent Iwuchukwu was able to make full recovery
It took six months for Iwuchukwu to get back to the court. The 20-year-old was installed an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) in his chest to monitor his heart at all times.
Fortunately, he recovered in time to play in his freshman season, playing decently in 14 games by averaging 5.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1 block in 13.9 minutes per game, shooting 50.9 percent from the field and 79.3 percent from the free throw line.
The timeline for James' recovery could differ, as cases like these vary from patient to patient.
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