Expert Ponders USC Star Guard's Potential as Number 1 Pick in 2024 Draft

Could he climb the rankings?

It's going to be quite the experience this year watching incoming USC Trojans guard Isaiah Collier run the offense within the Galen Center and show the basketball world that he can thrive at the next level and beyond. Standing at 6'4, there are few players in the NCAA that possess the skillset and on-court IQ that Collier does and on top of transcending the Trojans program, he is always looking to impress as many NBA scouts as possible.

Collier has been touted as one of the best point guards in the nation for quite some time now as he made noise in both the high school and EYBL scene over the past couple of years and he has the special opportunity to share the backcourt with Boogie Ellis, one of the most experienced guards on any school.

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Therefore, we can only wonder how the likes of Kobe Johnson, Joshua Morgan and more will improve with someone like Collier getting them easy looks and learning their games. We've gotten an early look at the 2023-2024 Trojans in a slew of exhibition games that they've played in Greece and NBA Draft expert Rafael Barlowe believes that even though Collier still has room for improvement, there is a world where he could be the number one pick in the 2024 Draft.

"I think he's more so of a below the rim finisher,' said Barlowe. "And how often do we see a guy that is a below the rim finisher at point guard be the number one pick if he doesn't have elite size. I think there is a chance, it is a wide-open draft. I don't think there's anybody right now that we can say is the odds-on favorite. He's in the discussion but I think it's all going to depend on how well he shoots the ball."

(Via News West 9)

So there you have it folks... we all know just how amazing Collier is in transition and there was a reason he was among the top players coming out of his 2023 graduating high school class. However, if he wants NBA teams to be believe he can take them to the next level, that jumper does need to fall at a higher rate!