After a Round of 64 exit in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, USC Basketball is looking for a bounce-back season in the Pac-12. Fans should have high hopes as they have a talented roster entering LA this season.
Coach Andy Enfield looks to get USC to a deep NCAA Tournament run. After receiving an extension through the 2027 season, Enfield has pressure to deliver this upcoming season with the Trojans.
However, three recruits bring the hype back to LA.
Recruits Bring USC Basketball Hype
Their Recruits
Isaiah Collier
USC is competing with the likes of UCLA and Arizona for a Pac-12 crown, and they have recruits that can take them to that goal. When looking at USC, their best recruit is Isaiah Collier, the Number 1 player in the 2023 High School Class. Collier brings a lot to the table for the Trojans. Isaiah is 6’4” and plays the game in a controlled manner, allowing his teammates to feel involved. The USC Staff remarked on Collier, “A lot of people like playing with Isaiah. Isaiah is an old-school point guard in terms of pass-first, get others involved.”
More importantly, Collier produces in big spots. In the Nike EYBL, one of the best AAU Circuits in the country, Collier averaged 17.6 points on 57.1% shooting from the field and 44.8% from three-point range. Collier passes and scores the ball at an elite level, so USC gets a player who will get Boogie Ellis good looks and ignite a great offense in LA.
Bronny James
The son of NBA Star LeBron James, Bronny James is another top-ranked player in the Class of 2023 that committed to USC. Bronny brings a level of discipline and perimeter scoring that USC could benefit from. James shoots the three well, plays good on-ball defense, and is an excellent playmaker. Bronny pairs well with Ellis and Collier because of his ability to space the court and facilitate.
James also improved a lot, so there is a good chance he will make improvements at USC. Bronny will make a lot of plays and shots for Enfield at USC.
Arrinten Page
Joining his teammate Isaiah Collier at USC is Arrinten Page. Ranked Number 40 by ESPN in their 2023 class, Page is another excellent recruit for USC. Page is explosive and strong, as he is 6-foot-9” and 225 pounds. Paige bullies defenders in the paint in the post or rip-and-drive situations. He can play the power forward or center positions in college, making him versatile in the offense for USC. Page also runs the court and handles the ball well in the open floor. Therefore, his versatility is desirable for the Trojans’ offense.
Nevertheless, Page also has great defensive skill and potential. He is very athletic, so he can block shots and defend the rim. With more coaching, he has the potential to be a force at the college level. Page is a sneaky excellent signing because of his offensive and defensive tools.
Last Word on USC Basketball
USC has made great strides in its recruiting. All three of these recruits are excellent signings and are bringing back excitement for USC. Page, James, and Collier all offer unique skillsets and can help propel USC to the top of the Pac-12 conference. However, Andy Enfield will need to put all the pieces together. Arizona and UCLA are talented and will not allow First-Year prodigies to destroy their hopes. The Pac-12 will be a three-team race, and it may be one of the better ones in the entire country.
We will see what these recruits do and the steps Ellis and the returners USC make to complement this talented trio. The Pac-12 needs to watch out.
