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USC Basketball: Isaiah Collier Hard on Himself After Trojans Debut

The freshman guard isn't pleased with his first collegiate game

The USC Trojans had an impressive start to their season by securing their first victory, a convincing 82-69 win over the Kansas State Wildcats. The 21st-ranked Trojans wasted no time in displaying their prowess on the court. This season, they are poised to make their presence felt in the world of college basketball, and a significant part of their strength lies in their talented recruiting class.

While much of the attention has naturally gravitated toward Bronny James due to his famous father, another standout to keep a close watch on is the 6-foot-5 guard hailing from Atlanta, Isaiah Collier. In his first collegiate game, Collier delivered an outstanding performance that greatly contributed to the Trojans' victory. Yet, despite his impressive showing, Collier remained his own harshest critic after the game. 

“I definitely made a lot of mistakes in this game,” Collier said, “as far as turnovers and fouls as well so just being smart overall when I’m in trouble. I just have to be smarter down the stretch for sure.”

(Per Isaiah Collier via LA Times)

Collier posted 18 points in total, with an impressive 15 of those coming in the first half. Additionally, he chipped in with three rebounds and six assists, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the game. However, Collier's competitive spirit led him to focus on the aspects he believed needed improvement.

He expressed self-criticism concerning his six turnovers and five personal fouls during the game. Leading the team in turnovers and losing the turnover battle by one clearly didn't sit well with the freshman guard. Although these aspects didn't ultimately affect the game's outcome, Collier acknowledges the importance of addressing them.

It's evident that Collier holds himself to high standards, a characteristic shared by many dedicated athletes. His willingness to take accountability for his performance reflects his commitment to continuous improvement. As the Trojans progress through the season, Collier's drive and talent are sure to propel the Trojans to new heights.