Much of the USC Trojans’ attention will be on the backcourt, with Boogie Ellis back for his fifth collegiate season (his third at USC). And the introduction of Isaiah Collier. Specifically, Collier is one of the top-ranked freshman prospects in the entire country. Entrenched at USC for the last decade, Andy Enfield has done a standup job. Enfield has made the Trojans program a College basketball betting winner in basketball again. To show, USC is fresh off a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.
2023-24 USC Trojans Basketball Preview
| National Championship Odds: | +3300 |
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2023-24 USC Trojans Basketball Outlook
Although USC’s last two trips have ended in the first-round sportsbook expectations are high. USC had a surprise Elite Eight run back in 2021. However, there are high hopes ahead for this year.
Additionally, the Trojans return Kobe Johnson and Joshua Morgan. Also, they added a few other pieces in the offseason, including DJ Rodman from Washington State and a few other freshmen. The Trojans opened the NCAABB betting season, ranked #21 by the AP Top 25 and sit in that spot in the initial KenPom rankings. The expectations are that USC will be solid on both sides of the ball. Although not everything is perfect.
On the whole, USC boasts a very strong backcourt but needs more out of the frontcourt. They have the size and ability, but can they stay consistent and healthy behind two potential All-Pac-12 guards? Following a couple of seasons as third banana at the top, USC is looking to have the last laugh in the final season of the Pac-12. Andy Enfield is bringing back considerable talent. And he struck gold on the recruiting trail. This is an incredibly talented roster that can answer an opponent’s best shot from nearly every position.
Certainly, the loss of perimeter scorer Drew Peterson is tough. But the consolation prize is Isaiah Collier, the number one guard in the 2023 class. Collier is as natural of a point guard as it comes. He brings dynamic court vision and quick twitch passing skills. Additionally, Colliers is a dog on defense. And he has a decent shot profile as a pull-up shooter. He and Boogie Ellis paired together is not getting enough recognition as one of the best backcourts in the country.
Ellis completely changed the ceiling for this team when he decided to come back for one more season. The fifth-year senior had always been a guy who had great skill back in his Memphis day. However, his skills never fully translated until last season. He averaged 17.7 points and 3.1 assists last year while shooting 38.6% from outside. Having him and Collier play off of each other could be a dynamic problem. Especially with two-plus ballhandlers able to dice up defenders.
Health remains a factor with this team, as sophomore Vincent Iwuchukwu is looking to play a full season after missing significant time from heart issues. He had off-season surgery as well. So it’s hard to tell how far his game has progressed with limited time. Still, he has incredible potential as a top-30 recruit just a year prior. Iwuchukwu projects to be a solid defender and does offer elite athleticism should his offensive abilities get tapped this season. Freshman Bronny James is also dealing with a scary incident related to heart issues and had surgery this offseason. Hence, it was unclear when James would be ready to get back on the court. He offers solid decision-making and shooting. DJ Rodman is coming in from Washington State.