Isaiah Collier Injury Could Lead to Bigger Role for Bronny James at USC

The Trojans have to fill a spot in their starting lineup.

USC guard Isaiah Collier suffered a major injury on Wednesday, as the freshman is expected to miss 4–6 weeks with a hand injury. The news is a big blow to the Trojans, as Collier is second on the team averaging 15.4 points a game and leads the team with 4.1 assists per game.

With Collier now out, USC will have to try and replace the former top recruit in the lineup, and the Trojans may turn to Bronny James. According to The Athletic’s Brian Bennett and Hunter Patterson, James could get a bump in minutes to fill Collier’s place on the court.

USC guard Bronny James could get more playing time with Isaiah Collier out due to injury :: Kirby Lee/USA Today network

James had a late start to the season after suffering cardiac arrest during a July practice, and the freshman has only played in eight games thus far. In those games, all of which he came off the bench, James is averaging 16.9 minutes with 5.9 points and 2.3 rebounds, and he’s only scored double-digit points in a game twice this year.

USC has had a disappointing season, as the team currently has an 8–8 record (2–3 Pac-12) despite a strong recruiting class. Collier in particular was the top recruit in the country, according to ESPN, and has been a bright spot for the Trojans this season despite their inconsistencies.

USC’s next game will be Saturday night against Colorado, before the Trojans travel to play No. 6 Arizona on Wednesday.