USC guard Isaiah Collier leaving after 1 season to enter NBA draft in latest departure from program
Arizona guard Jaden Bradley (0) and Arizona guard KJ Lewis (5) guard Southern California guard Isaiah Collier (1) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the quarterfinal round of the Pac-12 tournament Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP/John Locher
LOS ANGELES — Isaiah Collier is leaving Southern California after one season to enter the NBA draft.
The Trojans announced his decision Wednesday on their X page.
“Congratulations Zay and good luck in your next chapter!” the post read.
Collier averaged 16.3 points — second-best on the team — and 2.9 rebounds while starting 26 of the 27 games in which he appeared. He shot 49% from the floor and 67% from the free-throw line for the Trojans, who were 15-18 overall. He missed six games after having right hand surgery in January.
Collier was named to the All-Pac-12 Freshman Team and was an honorable mention on the All-Pac-12 Team.
The 6-foot-5 guard from Atlanta came to USC as the top-ranked recruit in the nation last year out of Wheeler High in Georgia.
Collier is the latest departure from the program. Coach Andy Enfield left recently to take the SMU job and fellow freshman Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, announced he was declaring for the draft while at the same time entering the transfer portal. Junior Kobe Johnson transferred to crosstown rival UCLA.
Eric Musselman, left, talks with current player Isaiah Collier, center and former player Nick Young after his introduction as the new head coach for Southern California's NCAA college basketball team, Friday, April 5, 2024, in Los Angeles. Credit: AP/Beth Harris
Eric Musselman was hired from Arkansas last week to replace Enfield. Collier attended his introductory news conference.
