USC Basketball: Fans React to Outcome of Boogie Ellis' Former Star-Studded Squad

Hype can only get you so far...

Many USC fans felt that current Trojan guard Boogie Ellis' previous team was destined for greatness, thanks to their seemingly untouchable recruiting class. 

After the Memphis Tigers recruited Ellis among many other highly touted high school prospects around the nation, the 2019-2020 Memphis Tigers were pegged to light the college basketball world ablaze. 

However, the reality of their eventual disappointing season was a shock to many around fans of college hoops everywhere. 

2019 Memphis Basketball Class
#1 Class in the country

• 5⭐️ James Wiseman (#1 Nationally)
• 5⭐️ Precious Achiuwa (#15 Nationally)
• 4⭐️ Boogie Ellis (#38 Nationally)
• 4⭐️ DJ Jeffries (#52 Nationally)
• 4⭐️ Lester Quinones (#58 Nationally)
• 4⭐️ Malcolm Dandridge (#106… pic.twitter.com/10KxVHxSD9

— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) June 3, 2023

With a class that includes many players that have spent time in the NBA, some of which being high lottery selections such as Wiseman and Achiuwa it's quite the shock that Ellis' former team failed to live up to such massive expectations. 

Ellis transferred to USC after the 2021 season from the university, but his most promising team of his college career likely remains this iteration of the Tigers' core. 

The now senior guard returns to the Trojans as their leading scorer from the previous season after a campaign of over 17 points per game, nearly four boards per game and nearly three assists in 29 starts. 

His former teammates have had equally mixed results while in the professional ranks as Wiseman and Achiuwa have struggled to get consistent bench minutes with their respective franchises 

On the other hand, Dandrige and Quinones have had G-League stints as the majority of their NBA experiences.

As the veteran leader for the Trojans this upcoming season, USC will surely need the backcourt help from Ellis as Bronny James remains on the mend from his heart condition and freshman Isaiah Collier's inexperience could show on the biggest stage. 

From Memphis, Ellis has provided a consistent and stable presence in comparison to his previous stint with Memphis and will continue to do so for his final collegiate year.