USC Basketball: Isaiah Collier Shines in Front of Star-Studded Crowd

Comedian Chris Rock liked what he saw out of the young star.

The Trojans never trailed in their 85-59 win over CSU Bakersfield Thursday night. Freshman guard Isaiah Collier had 19 points and four other Trojans scored in the double digits as USC improved to 2-0 on the season.

Collier, the top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2023, added five assists, three rebounds and three personal fouls after fouling out in his college debut Monday night.

Fifth-year guard Boogie Ellis scored 11 points and Oziyah Sellers scored 16 off the bench.

Collier once again showed off his elite court vision and shiftiness in the paint as he wowed the Trojan fans in attendance.

Late in the first half, Collier drove and blew by a pair of Roadrunner defenders before avoiding a third with a nifty reverse layup, providing a spark for the USC crowd that included comedian Chris Rock.

Welcome to Galen Center, @chrisrock!

Told y'all this was 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝙇𝘼𝗖𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘. pic.twitter.com/gbEKc6uX99

— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) November 10, 2023

Chris Rock was photographed reacting to Collier's impressive shot.

With Collier and LeBron James Jr.'s arrivals, there is a new energy around the USC men's basketball program. Because of its location, it is safe to say that Rock will not be the last notable figure sitting courtside at a Trojan basketball game.

.@chrisrock is all of us watching @isaiahcollier04 🤩 pic.twitter.com/JO1XNgx9dc

— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) November 10, 2023

Men's basketball's home action continues Tuesday when they host UC Irvine at 8 p.m. PST.

On the women's side, another Class of 2023 top prospect wowed in her first collegiate action. Freshman Juju Watkins put up a record 32 points in her debut in Las Vegas. Watkins and the Trojans will take on FGCU for their home opener at Galen Center Friday at 7 p.m. PST.