The 2023-24 season dawned with great anticipation for USC, buoyed by the acquisition of top-tier talents like Isaiah Collier and Bronny James. However, their aspirations were met with disappointment as the team faced yet another setback on Saturday night, falling to Stanford in a disheartening 99-68 defeat.
This loss marked USC’s second consecutive stumble and their eighth defeat in the last ten outings, plunging their season record to 9-15.
Despite the adversity, Collier showcased his prowess, tallying 18 points along with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, leading the Trojans in scoring for the game.
Steal on one end, finger roll on the other for @isaiahcollier04
📺: ESPNU
📱: https://t.co/cGFArRkDBb pic.twitter.com/d7D31xu28o— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) February 11, 2024
Meanwhile, Bronny James, scion of Los Angeles Lakers’ luminary LeBron James, contributed six points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal in the contest.
Despite flashes of individual brilliance, James has struggled to find his rhythm within USC’s struggling roster. Consequently, voices within the college basketball community have begun to advocate for him to seek greener pastures:
BRONNY STEAL AND SLAM‼️
📺: ESPNU
📱: https://t.co/cGFArRkDBb pic.twitter.com/QQpdyuCiKa— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) February 11, 2024
Amid the chorus of criticism, James continues to grapple with his performance. Averaging a modest 5.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 15 appearances, shooting 36.1 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from beyond the arc, his potential leap to the NBA remains a topic of speculation.
USC brought in the #3 Class in the country headlined by #1 Recruit Isaiah Collier…it’s over Andy Enfield pic.twitter.com/YsQWYVQCJV
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) February 11, 2024
However, given USC’s ongoing woes, there are murmurs about the possibility of him extending his collegiate tenure for another year.
With USC’s next fixture against Utah looming on Thursday, the Trojans face a crucial juncture in their season, with hopes of redemption hanging in the balance.
