USC Basketball: Two Trojans Starters Questionable for Showdown With Arizona

The Trojans might be without two starters for game against Arizona.

The USC Trojans dropped their last two games, mostly because the team is dealing with significant injuries to the starting five. Standout freshman Isaiah Collier is sidelined for 4-6 weeks because of a hand injury he suffered in the loss to Washington State. 

To make matters worse, big man Joshua Morgan is dealing with an upper respiratory infection that has kept him out of action. Boogie Ellis has also been dealing with a nagging hamstring injury that has also resulted in him not being able to suit up. 

Both Morgan and Ellis were kept out of the last game, and their status for tonight's showdown against Arizona is in question. They are both listed as questionable. 

Source: USC's Boogie Ellis (hamstring) and Joshua Morgan (illness) are both questionable for tonight's game against Arizona.

Ellis averages 18.7 PPG. DNP in last game.

Morgan averages 6.3 PPG and 4.5 RPG. Has not played since 1/6.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) January 17, 2024

There is a strong chance that Morgan will not be able to suit up, as his infection has kept him out since January 6. Ellis might also be asked to sit to ensure he is healed from his hamstring issue. 

With Morgan and Ellis sitting out, the Trojans might go with the starting five they had last game. 

Vincent Iwuchukwu, Kobe Johnson, Bronny James, DJ Rodmna, and Harrison Hornery could once again get the chance to be the starting five for tonight. Then again, head coach Andy Enfield could experiment with a new group. 

James has been underwhelming in his last two games, scoring zero points. James has been on a minutes restriction up until the last game, but he failed to capitalize on his first career start. 

The hope is he can shake off the nerves or whatever is holding him back in tonight's matchup, as the Trojans need a change of pace from James' scoring.