USC Basketball: Is Boogie Ellis An NBA-Caliber Player?

Can he survive for two pro contracts?

Fifth-year senior USC Trojans guard Boogie Ellis is projected as a late first round or early second round NBA draft pick after he graduates.

He has stewarded several competent Trojans clubs over the seasons, but this year’s raw 9-14 vintage doesn’t appear to be one of them. 

He’ll get a shot at a pro career, that much seems more or less assured. 

But will he survive long enough for a second contract following a theoretical initial rookie scale deal, typically viewed as the metric for success at the NBA level?

The 6'3" point guard is a solid, speedy driver, scorer, and passer, although he doesn't project to be a particularly adept defender. At a slim 170 pounds, Ellis is a bit slight compared with top pro point guards. 

Across his 19 healthy contests with the underperforming Trojans this year, he's averaging 16.8 points on .435/.434/.763 shooting splits, 3.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals a game.

His size could prove a detriment at the next level, but his craftiness with the ball will surely encourage teams to at least take a look at what he might have to offer. Ellis will be competing at probably the toughest position in the game, so it will be an uphill battle. Improved team play could greatly help his cause down the home stretch of what's looking increasingly like a lost final collegiate season.