Just a year ago, Isaiah Collier was adorned with the prestigious label of being the top prospect in high school basketball, destined for NBA lottery pick status. Standing at 6-foot-3, this point guard from the Southern California Trojans had scouts and fans alike buzzing with excitement. Fast forward to today, and the narrative has shifted dramatically. Following a rollercoaster freshman season at USC, filled with inconsistency and injuries, Isaiah Collier’s stock has somewhat cooled off.
Once projected as a top pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft, he now finds himself a potential candidate for the Toronto Raptors at the 19th overall pick.
Isaiah Collier’s Collegiate Challenges
Despite the high expectations, Isaiah Collier’s journey at USC was not the smooth path many had anticipated. His season was a mixed bag, featuring moments of brilliance overshadowed by periods of struggle. According to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, Isaiah Collier’s freshman year left much to be desired, as he battled through various adversities including physical ailments and on-court inconsistencies.
USC Trojans freshman point guard Isaiah Collier will enter the 2024 NBA Draft, he told ESPN on Wednesday. Collier — ranked as the tenth best available player in ESPN’s list of Top 100 prospects — will be represented by agent BJ Armstrong of Wasserman. pic.twitter.com/K1GnKllcrz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 10, 2024
On his better days, Isaiah Collier showcased why he was so highly rated coming out of high school. His ability to penetrate defenses, draw fouls, and distribute the ball was evident. He averaged commendable stats with 16.3 points, 4.3 assists, and nearly six free-throw attempts per game, while maintaining a shooting efficiency of 49% from the field and 33.8% from beyond the arc.
One particularly memorable performance was his explosive 31-point game against Washington, where he demonstrated his scoring prowess on an impressive 14-for-20 shooting.
However, the season also had its fair share of less inspiring performances, marked by defensive lapses and high turnover games—Isaiah Collier recorded six games with five or more turnovers. These issues highlighted areas of needed growth and adjustment, particularly in managing ball security and defensive engagements.
The Toronto Opportunity
As the NBA Draft approaches and the Raptors consider their options, Isaiah Collier presents an intriguing case. For a Toronto team in search of a backup point guard, he offers a blend of potential and playmaking ability that is hard to overlook. His physical attributes and aggressive playstyle suggest that with the right development and a more focused role, he could overcome his collegiate struggles.
Toronto’s interest in Isaiah Collier could be seen as a strategic bet on his upside. While he may not have fulfilled the superstar expectations set in high school, his foundational skills and experiences at USC provide a solid base to build upon. In a reduced role with the Raptors, Collier would have the opportunity to refine his skills, particularly in limiting turnovers and enhancing his defensive contributions.
A Draft Day Decision
As draft day looms, the question remains whether the Raptors will take the gamble on Isaiah Collier at the 19th pick. The potential payoff is substantial—finding a player with Isaiah Collier’s pedigree in the middle of the first round could prove to be a steal.
His journey from a projected top pick to a mid-first rounder is a testament to the unpredictable nature of basketball careers. However, it’s also a reminder of the inherent potential that lies within every player, waiting to be unlocked under the right circumstances.
