USC guard Isaiah Collier has heard his name called by Adam Silver, with the Utah Jazz selecting him with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Collier is the program’s fourth first-round pick in the last six cycles and the third to be selected in the lottery portion.
In 27 games this season for USC, Collier averaged 16.3 points, 2,9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He shot 49% from the field but just 33.8% from behind the arc and 67.3% with free throws. Numbers Collier will likely want to improve as he begins his professional career.
A mid-season injury was a part of the story for Collier. He suffered a hand injury on Jan. 10 in a game against Washington State and missed the next four weeks. Collier missed six games — all but one of which ended in a loss for the Trojans, missing the presence of their point guard.
Collier played high school basketball at Marietta (GA) Wheeler, where he was a Five-Star Plus+ prospect. He was the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2023 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Utah is certainly getting a player with a ton of potential and somebody who will be turning 20 years old just before the beginning of the season.
What NBA Draft experts are saying about Isaiah Collier
Heading into the NBA Draft, On3’s James Fletcher gave his scouting report on Collier, listing him as the No. 12 prospect on the top 40 big board.
Collier did not have the best season in Los Angeles as everyone involved with the USC program struggled. His recruiting ranking indicated there was a chance to be the No. 1 overall pick but the on-court struggles saw him dip in the first round.
“Isaiah Collier struggled early in the college basketball season, but quietly turned things around and finished well after an injury,” Fletcher said. “He dropped down draft boards and has not been able to fully recover, perhaps influenced by the disappointment surrounding his team. The 6-foot-5 guard is capable of initiating the offense, and could continue building on his improved efficiency numbers. The No. 1 player in the On3 Industry rankings has plenty left to unlock.
“Similar to Collier, there is some conversation about how the pre-draft process could bring Collier closer to his projected slot before a tumultuous season than after.”
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