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USC Men's Basketball: Experts Predict New Trojan Will Be Named Freshman Of The Year

This young man has earned a ton of hype heading into this year...
Jason Fray|
USC Men's Basketball: Experts Predict New Trojan Will Be Named Freshman Of The Year
USC Men's Basketball: Experts Predict New Trojan Will Be Named Freshman Of The Year

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When Isaiah Collier first committed to USC over pretty much any other school in the country, it sent shockwaves across the College Basketball landscape. 

The powerful guard out of Atlanta was seemingly enthralled by the system Andy Enfield runs. Next to running mate Boogie Ellis, Collier will be able to showcase his talents in front of a host of NBA scouts on a weekly basis.

Not only that, but his presence makes USC a very intriguing team head into the year. From a preseason hype standpoint, the publication The Field of 68 made one bold claim about Collier's future with the Trojans. 

Per the link above, Collier was named as the Preseason National Freshman of the Year. Additionally, within the ranking of the Top 100 players in College Basketball, Collier was listed at No. 20. 

The backcourt dynamic for USC this season truly will be one to watch. Pairing the top incoming freshman in America alongside one of the most explosive returning guards seems like a perfect match on paper. Both Collier and Ellis can orchestrate the offense at times, sharing the responsibilities in terms of bringing the ball up, getting teammates involved, and ultimately playmaking for both themselves and others. 

This is going to be a huge year for Enfield and the program. Ellis will move on to professional basketball at the conclusion of the year, and it's highly unlikely Collier won't be entering the NBA Draft. 

When paired with elite defender Kobe Johnson, Washington State transfer D.J. Rodman, and big man Josh Morgan, this is among the more talented starting five groups on the West Coast. It has length, scoring ability, explosiveness, and defensive grit. 

Assuming both Bronny James comes back healthy, much like former five-star recruit and Vince Iwuchukwu did last year from a similar heart affliction, this is not a team anyone will want to play down the stretch.

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Jason Fray
JASON FRAY

Jason Fray is a proud native of Los Angeles. After graduating from UCLA in 2011, he's written for a number of publications -- including Bleacher Report, FOX Sports, Saturday Down South, and New Arena. In his downtime, he enjoys writing scripts, going to shows, weekly pub trivia with the boys, trying the best hole-in-the-wall food spots around town, and traveling (22 countries & counting). 

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