USC Basketball: Expert Ranks Freshman Guard Surprisingly Low Among Possible Draft Class
While many at USC are excited to welcome this prospect to the hardwood after a hard recruiting push to sign him, some are skeptical that this talented individual will even be a lottery pick.
ln the most recent edition of a way-too-early NBA mock draft for the 2024 season, one writer said that Isaiah Collier would barely scrape the lottery as the 14th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
Collier is the best incoming freshman on USC’s roster; he’s a dynamic point guard who’s built like a tank at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds. With advanced ballhandling and a strong frame, he can play finesse or bully ball while controlling the pace of the game. Passing is his best skill, but consistency as a shooter could make him a top pick.
Collier and Bronny James were set to headline the Trojan backcourt this season, but with the latter suffering a cardiac arrest and a current return to the court unknown, it'll be up to Collier to carry the load for USC for some, if not most of the season.
The Georgia product averaged over 20 points per game, nearly seven assists, five rebounds and two steals per game before being named the no. 3 overall recruit of the 2023 class by ESPN.
USC signed Collier in November last year and are excited to see what the guard can bring to the table for their team this year.
With doubts such as those from O'Connor and other skeptics around draft circles, it'll be up to the 6 foot 4 guard to showcase his talent and convince both draft analysts and NBA front offices that he is the real deal.
USC's first game comes against Brown University in mid November. One can only hope that such a low ranking propels Collier to push past the doubt and excel for the Trojans this season.
