Colorado vs. USC: The potential No. 1 overall NBA draft pick, Bronny James, and more

There will be a fair amount to watch for when the Trojans come to Boulder

CU Buffs

Following Wednesday’s 82-78 setback at California, the Colorado Buffaloes (11-5, 2-3 Pac-12) are set to host Bronny James and the USC Trojans (8-8, 2-3 Pac-12) Saturday night at CU Events Center. The Buffaloes are 16-10 all-time against the Trojans but have lost three straight in the series dating back to 2021.

Here are three things to watch for when USC comes to town.

USC freshman guard Bronny James’ first trip to Boulder

Less than five months from going into cardiac arrest, Bronny James, the oldest son of NBA megastar Lebron James made his much-anticipated collegiate debut last month. The 6-foot-4 guard is averaging 5.9 points in 17 minutes per game off the bench for the Trojans. James’ playing time should increase with fellow guard Isaiah Collier, a projected NBA lottery pick, out 4-6 weeks after he suffered a hand injury against Washington State on Wednesday.

Freshman PG Isaiah Collier is expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks due to a hand injury sustained in the game against Washington State on Wednesday.

— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) January 12, 2024

James has also made a name for himself off the court. Thanks to deals with Nike, Beats by Dre, and other companies, he tops all NCAA student-athletes with a $5.9 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) valuation per On3. Right behind him with a $4 million valuation is Shedeur Sanders, son of Colorado head football coach Deion Sanders. In fact, Saturday night, three of the top 10 NIL earners could be in the building. Travis Hunter, a consensus All-American for the Buffaloes football program, is No. 7 in the NIL Top 100 with a $2 million valuation.

The potential No. 1 overall pick in June’s NBA Draft on display

Colorado’s Cody Williams (Perry H.S., Gilbert Ariz.) was the No. 4 overall prospect in the Class of 2023. Now the star freshmen could be the top pick in June’s NBA Draft.

In their latest mock, NBADraft.net has projected the 6-foot-8 forward to the Detroit Pistons as the top overall pick. After missing seven games to a wrist injury, Williams returned to the court Wednesday against California. Through eight games this season, he is averaging 14.3 points per game and is shooting 58.1 percent from the field.

USC’s 6-foot-5 guard Collier is projected to be scooped up by the Houston Rockets at No. 10. Prior to his injury, Collier (15.4 PPG, 4.1 AST) had been a force for the Trojans all season long.

Williams and Collier may not be the only potential draft picks in the building when these two teams face off. NBADraft.net projects Colorado senior Tristan da Silva (16.2 PPG) and junior KJ Simpson (19.9 PPG) to be second round picks.

A battle of the backcourts in Boulder

If you enjoy good guard play, you’ll be in for a treat Saturday. Even without their superstar freshman Collier, the Trojans have one of the more dynamic backcourts in the country with senior Boogie Ellis (18.8 PPG) and junior Kobe Johnson (11.6 PPG) combining for over 30 points per game. James may also receive his first start of the season Saturday night. Colorado will counter with Simpson and senior J’Vonne Hadley, who is averaging 10.3 points per game and is second on the team with a 56.0 percent field goal percentage and 5.4 rebounds per game.

Colorado welcomes USC into CU Event Center on Saturday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET on ESPN2.