The basketball journey for Isaiah Collier has led him to the NBA.
With the No. 29 pick in the NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz selected the USC freshman guard, making him the 65th Trojan to be drafted.
The consensus top three pick heading into last season, the 6-foot-4 Collier's unpredictable year at USC had him slipping down the draft boards. ESPN100 listed Collier as the top-ranked player in the country before enrolling at USC, earning 2023 McDonalds All-American and Georgia Gatorade Player of the Year honors his senior season at Wheeler (Georgia) High School.
Collier started 26 games last season for the Trojans and finished the season on a high note. He averaged 16.3 points, 4.3 assists (ranked fourth in Pac-12) and 2.9 rebounds. Collier was heavily featured out the gate in the Trojans offense, ranking second in the Pac-12 with a 29.1% usage rate.
Being a centerpiece for the Trojans came with its qualms as the star freshman missed six games because of a right-hand fracture in January.
While the injury sidelined Collier for about a month, Collier's work ethic helped him come back stronger to finish the season. Returning to action on Feb. 7, Collier had his best basketball play ahead, averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds in 11 appearances in February and March.
In the 11-game span, Collier shot 38% from the 3-point range and 48% from the field.
Offensively, Collier’s explosiveness, playmaking and finishing ability, which he showcased in high school, translated to the college scene. Collier found early success in transition and one-on-one opportunities, utilizing his stronger upper body, attacking with force and finishing with finesse.
At the NBA Draft Combine last month, Collier displayed the explosiveness from USC, finishing the three-quarter sprint in 3.04 seconds, the fourth-quickest time among all guards.
Collier’s playmaking ability took time to adjust to the speed of the college game, but found success throughout the season. His quick instincts, paired with his precision passing, opened lots of opportunities for his teammates to knock down shots.
Collier’s 30.9 assist percentage ranked third in the Pac-12 as a freshman. However, Collier's passing sometimes was overshadowed by his poor decision-making.
In a season of turbulence, Collier struggled with turnovers and shooting. Sharing co-ball handling duties with fifth-year guard Boogie Ellis — another NBA draft prospect — Collier averaged a team-high 3.3 turnovers, ranking fifth in the Pac-12 with 89 total turnovers.
While Collier had no problem getting to the basket with authority, he struggled to find a constant outside shot. Shooting 33% on 3-point attempts, Collier’s offensive versatility as a scorer was limited.
Heading into the NBA, Collier will have to improve his ability to knock down midrange and 3-point shots to carve out an impactful career.
Collier enters a crowded Utah backcourt filled with veterans and young talent. Led by 12th-year guard Jordan Clarkson, Collier will have time to develop his skillset and study the game as a backup.