5-Star PG Isaiah Collier Commits to USC over UCLA, Michigan, Cincinnati
Nov 16, 2022
ORLANDO, FL - AUGUST 9: Isaiah Collier #1 of U.S. Southeast Boys handles the ball during the game against U.S. Midwest Boys during the Jr. NBA Global Championship Quarterfinals on August 9, 2019 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
Class of 2023 5-star point guard Isaiah Collier committed to USC on Wednesday via Instagram Live.
Point guard Isaiah Collier, the nation's top recruit per 247, commits to USC on Instagram Live. Massive statement from Andy Enfield to close out the early signing period
Collier chose the Trojans over Cincinnati, UCLA and Michigan, which were also considered finalists to land him.
A 6'3", 190-pound point guard from Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, Collier is ranked as the No. 1 player at his position and No. 4 overall, according to the 247Sports' composite rankings.
Collier is a solid two-way talent who enjoys playing at a high pace.
247Sports recruiting analyst Brandon Jenkins describes him as "an athletic throwback-style point guard who has made strong impressions with his toughness and exceptional vision as a passer. A playmaker with a wealth of tools to work with, Collier is one of the best in his class in his ability to make the assist."
While he is an impressive prospect, he's not yet a polished player. He still needs to develop consistency as a shooter and work on the mechanics of his jump shot. However, his playmaking and defensive effort set him apart from the rest of the point guard prospects.
Collier is USC's first 5-star recruit in the 2023 class but joins 4-stars Arrinten Page and Silas Demary Jr. to form an exciting group under head coach Andy Enfield. He will likely have a spot in the starting lineup waiting for him as soon as he steps on campus next year.
No. 1 WCBB Recruit Juju Watkins Commits to USC over South Carolina, Stanford
Nov 15, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 04: Juju Watkins of Sierra Canyon drives the ball against a Christ the King player during The Chosen - 1's Invitational High School Basketball Showcase at the Staples Center on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Juju Watkins, the top-ranked women's high school player in the class of 2023, announced her intention to play at USC on Tuesday.
The celebration at Sierra Canyon as Juju Watkins revels her college choice: USC women’s basketball. pic.twitter.com/ySinOmHmS2
The Sierra Canyon guard is California's Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year and the top player in her class, per ESPN. She chose the Trojans over fellow finalists Stanford and South Carolina.
"I didn't want to rush this process," Watkins said, per Charlotte Gibson of ESPN. "A lot of people in my class had already committed before me, and I definitely was taking my time. But I want to make sure it was 1,000 percent where I wanted to go."
Watkins grew up just 10 minutes from the USC campus, so familiarity likely played a role in the Los Angeles native's decision to play for head coach Lindsay Gottlieb. Landing the top player in the 2023 class is a boon for Gottlieb, whose Trojans finished 12-16 in her first year with the program.
Watkins is just the third top-10 player in ESPN's rankings to sign with USC since 2007, as the program has largely taken a back seat on campus behind football and men's basketball. The arrival of the most dominant prep player in the nation should change the narrative, as Watkins has all the tools to make USC a Final Four team.
USC's women's basketball program was among the nation's best during the 1980s before struggling over the last three-plus decades. The Trojans have made the NCAA tournament just once in the last 15 years and have not reached the second week of the tournament since 1993-94.
Watkins' arrival might spark a much-desired turnaround. She will be joined in the 2023 class by promising point guard Malia Samuels, giving Gottlieb the building blocks of a stellar backcourt for years to come.
Evan Mobley's Brother, Isaiah, Selected by Cavaliers in 2nd Round of 2022 NBA Draft
Jun 24, 2022
GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 18: Isaiah Mobley (3) of the USC Trojans huddles up with his team during a break in play against the Miami Hurricanes during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 18, 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers now have all the Mobleys.
Cleveland selected Evan Mobley's brother, Isaiah, with the 49th pick in the 2022 NBA draft Thursday. Both played college basketball at USC, and Isaiah is older by a year and almost nine months.
The Cavaliers selected Evan Mobley with the third pick in the 2021 draft, and he had an impressive season, averaging 15.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.7 blocks in 69 games while shooting 50.8 percent.
He was selected to the NBA's All-Rookie first team alongside the Toronto Raptors' Scottie Barnes, the Detroit Pistons' Cade Cunningham, the Houston Rockets' Jalen Green and the Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner.
Evan spent just one season at USC before declaring for the NBA draft. He averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.9 blocks in 33 games while shooting 57.8 percent.
Isaiah spent three seasons with the Trojans before entering the draft. He had an impressive junior season, averaging 14.2 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 44.5 percent.
The Athletic's Sam Vecenie laid out his strengths and weaknesses:
"I would imagine Mobley is one of the players I most diverge from consensus. I buy him as an interesting, potential-guarantee guy because of the way his game could translate to what the NBA looks for from modern bigs. He's a killer passer out of short rolls, and he can shoot, which already gives him an enormous leg up on a lot of bigs in today's NBA. He has good defensive awareness for the most part and can slide his feet at a really high level, in addition to his 7-foot-3 wingspan. He might not have the athletic tools to play in the NBA, but I'd be willing to pay with a second-round pick to find out if he got into the 45 to 55 range. I'm something of a believer in Mobley."
Cavaliers fans will hope Isaiah can perform just as well as Evan has. However, Isaiah told The Athletic's Seth Davis that he doesn't "feel any type of pressure to live up to" his brother.
"I'm happy for him. He's been doing well," he said. "We have different journeys, so the comparison doesn't bother me."
Isaiah also told Davis what he thinks about joining the pros.
"I'm a little anxious because I know it won't be easy," he said. "But I'm excited, too. I still have room to grow, but I'm a lot more mature and polished than I was last year. I'm ready to do whatever I have to do to make this work."
USC's Andy Enfield Slams Refs for 'Wrong Call' Late in NCAA Tournament Loss to Miami
Mar 19, 2022
GREENVILLE, SC - MARCH 18: Head coach Andy Enfield of the USC Trojans reacts to the action against the Miami Hurricanes during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 18, 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Sometimes it's easy to forget about individual calls during the course of a frantic finish in an NCAA men's basketball tournament game, but that was not the case for USC head coach Andy Enfield after Friday's 68-66 loss to Miami.
"It was a one-point game," Enfield said of a key out-of-bounds call with just more than two minutes remaining, per David M. Hale of ESPN. "It should've been our ball, and they gave it back to Miami. It was the wrong call."
The call in question followed Reese Dixon-Waters' missed free throws with the Hurricanes holding onto a 59-58 advantage. There was a scramble for the ball that went out of bounds, and officials gave it to Miami.
Kameron McGusty responded with two free throws and a jump shot, and just like that, Miami led by five.
"It was very clear," Enfield said. "I don't know what they discussed or didn't discuss. I don't know how you missed that call in a crucial part of the game in the NCAA tournament. It wasn't even close."
To USC's credit, it fought back with Drew Peterson drilling two three-pointers and scoring a layup in the final minute to tie the game. Yet Miami took the lead for good when Charlie Moore made two free throws in the final seconds, although Peterson's heave at the buzzer just rimmed out.
"I thought Drew got fouled on the possession before when he drove and [would have] tied the game, they hit his arm," Enfield said. "So I guess, if you're going to call it at one end, you should call it at the other end."
Unfortunately for Enfield, he will have an entire offseason to think about the whistles.
Miami, on the other hand, will play Auburn in the round of 32 on Sunday.
No. 10 Miami Upsets No. 7 USC, Will Face Auburn in 2nd Round of March Madness
Mar 18, 2022
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - MARCH 18: Isaiah Wong #2 of the Miami (Fl) Hurricanes shoots against Isaiah Mobley #3 of the USC Trojans during the second half in the first round game of the 2022 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 18, 2022 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The 10th-seeded Miami Hurricanes upset the No. 7 USC Trojans 68-66 in the first round of the 2022 NCAA men's basketball tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, on Friday.
USC tied the score at 66-66 with 14 seconds left, but Miami guard Charlie Moore was fouled with three seconds remaining and made both his free throws before a prayer from USC guard Drew Peterson bounced off the rim as time expired.
With the win, Miami advanced to the second round in the midwest region, marking the first time since 2016 that the Hurricanes have made it at least that far in the tourney.
Guard Isaiah Wong led the way for Miami with 22 points on 7-of-12 shooting to go along with four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Meanwhile, Moore chipped in 16 points, five assists and four steals.
Ball security was the biggest key to Miami's success with the Hurricanes turning the ball over only three times compared to USC's 18 turnovers.
The turnover disparity was enough to down the Trojans despite the Hurricanes getting out-rebounded 38-26 and going just 1-for-14 from three-point range.
Friday's contest was a tale of two halves, as the Hurricanes dominated during the first half only for USC to make things interesting in the second.
Wong was the standout for Miami throughout the game, and it became apparent early on that he was in for a huge performance.
Buckets were tough to come by for both teams in the early going, but Wong out-scored USC 10-4 on his own by the time the first half ticked under 12 minutes remaining:
In fact it wasn't until more than midway through the opening half that a player other than Wong scored points for the Hurricanes, per Adam Lichtenstein of the Sun Sentinel:
Took like 11:30 but Kameron McGusty scores Miami's first points from someone other than Isaiah Wong.
While it was far from an ideal start for Miami, USC head coach Andy Enfield was clearly miffed at his team's performance in the early going.
At the under-12-minute break, Enfield lamented the fact that his Trojans had already turned the ball over five times and gone just 3-of-13 from the field:
"We look like we've never played basketball before" 😅
USC then managed to tie it at 66-66 on a Peterson layup with 14 seconds left, but Moore's cool and calm performance at the free-throw line with three seconds remaining put the Canes ahead for good.
What's Next?
By virtue of their win, the Hurricanes will move on to face the second-seeded Auburn Tigers in the second round of the tournament on Sunday.
5-Star Center Vince Iwuchukwu Commits to USC
Sep 17, 2021
The USC Trojans added a major piece to their future frontcourt Friday when center Vince Iwuchukwu joined their 2022 recruiting class.
The Montverde Academy product announced his decision on Instagram Live with Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Iwuchukwu, who checks in at 7' and 220 pounds, is a 5-star prospect and the No. 12 overall player, No. 4 center and No. 3 player from the state of Florida in the class of 2022, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
The list of teams that recruited the big man included finalists USC, Baylor, Kansas, Texas and UCLA.
The first thing that jumps out about Iwuchukwu's game is his ability to protect the rim on the defensive side. His height and athleticism allow him to cover plenty of space along the baseline and also control the glass as a rebounder.
Brandon Jenkins of 247Sports also pointed to how the prospect "has a good looking release on his jump shot and developing touch that extends all the way to the three-point line."
If he continues to make strides at the offensive level, it wouldn't be a surprise if Iwuchukwu is one of the best frontcourt players in college basketball during his career. His overall ability to score on the blocks, create matchup problems with his shooting and impact the game defensively has been on full display even before joining the Trojans.
Sports Illustrated noted in June 2021 that he averaged 15.0 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per night in 2020-21 and then impressed at the highly regarded Pangos All-American Camp by averaging 22.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 58 percent from the field.
While expecting him to put up numbers like that as a freshman may be setting the bar too high, it wouldn't be a surprise if he was a double-double threat every time he steps on the floor.
That would work well for USC, which will look to continue rising among the national ranks after reaching the Elite Eight last season.
Consistently landing playmakers like Iwuchukwu on the recruiting trail is the surest path to competing for more deep NCAA tournament runs, and the Trojans continued their overall program momentum with this commitment.
5-Star PF Kijani Wright Commits to USC over Texas, Stanford, Arkansas
Aug 11, 2021
The USC Trojans landed a commitment from elite 2022 prospect Kijani Wright.
The power forward announced his decision Wednesday, via The Undefeated's Marc J. Spears:
Breaking: Sierra Canyon's Kijani Wright has told @MarcJSpears that he's committing to the USC Trojans.
He's ranked as ESPN's No. 16 prospect for the class of 2022. (via @TheUndefeated) pic.twitter.com/7Apl4L32kJ
Wright is considered a 5-star recruit and the No. 12 overall player in his class, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
At 6'9", 235 pounds, he has good size for the position to go with his developed offensive game. Jerry Meyer of 247Sports compared him to a young Al Horford, noting they "have similar size and a lethal jump hook."
Being compared to a five-time NBA All-Star is high praise, although Wright has the tools to live up to it as someone who can make an early impact at the next level. He can score at multiple levels, finishing with his back to the basket or shooting consistently out to three-point range.
Add in his solid rebounding and he could be a coach's dream in the post.
The California native doesn't have the athleticism of some other top prospects in the class, but his other physical tools should let him succeed without jumping out of the building.
With the Trojans, Wright should become an immediate contributor and likely a go-to option from the start of his freshman year. The double-double threat could be a key player as the squad tries to compete with the best teams in the Pac-12.
Head coach Andy Enfield led USC to the Elite Eight last season, and top prospects like this will keep the team rolling.
The forward could also be headed to the NBA before too long if he continues to produce at a high level.
Rockets Draft Rumors: Evan Mobley’s Camp Has 'A Level of Disinterest' in Houston
Jul 27, 2021
Southern California's Evan Mobley brings the ball down the court during the first half of a Sweet 16 game against Oregon in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament at Banker's Life Fieldhouse, Sunday, March 28, 2021, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Houston Rockets have numerous options at No. 2 overall in the NBA draft, assuming that Oklahoma State point guard and presumptive No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham goes first to the Detroit Pistons.
One of those potential choices is USC big man Evan Mobley, but Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated reported that the ex-Trojan's camp may be disinterested in seeing the Pac-12 Player of the Year go to Houston.
League sources have indicated there is a level of disinterest within Evan Mobley’s camp regarding Houston as a destination, raising questions as to whether that potential marriage would be ideal for either side. Rival teams do not expect Mobley, Jalen Suggs or Cade Cunningham to work out for Houston before draft night.
Mobley averaged 16.4 points on 57.8 percent shooting, 8.7 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game for the Trojans in his lone year at USC. He was also named a consensus second-team All-American en route to leading the Trojans to the Elite Eight.
Woo's report delivers a similar message as one from ESPN's Jonathan Givony (h/t Ben DuBose of Rockets Wire), who wrote the Rockets have been "stonewalled" in their attempts to bring in Mobley for a private workout. Givony also wrote that Houston hasn't been able to bring in Gonzaga point guard Jalen Suggs either.
Mobley and Suggs are two of the three prime candidates for the Rockets at No. 2 if Cunningham goes first. The other is shooting guard Jalen Green of the NBA G League Ignite, and Kelly Iko of the Athletic reported that may be where Houston is leaning.
The name I keep hearing attached to Houston is Green. USC’s Evan Mobley has been discussed in some circles, as well as Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs, but smart money would be on the Rockets taking the 19-year old out of the G League’s Ignite on draft night. It’s well known that head coach Stephen Silas has an affinity for versatile guards, and Green has been said to have the highest upside in his class, from a scoring, explosive and star standpoint.
Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer also pegged Green to the Rockets in his latest mock draft, writing that the selection "appears to be the preference here." However, he also noted that Mobley is still in the mix.
We'll soon find out what the Rockets do with the NBA draft set to go down on Thursday evening from Brooklyn, New York's Barclays Center.
Knicks' Julius Randle Was 'Right There' for Team USA Roster Spot, per Jerry Colangelo
Jun 28, 2021
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 2: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw against the Atlanta Hawks during Round 1, Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 2, 2021 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
When the U.S. men's basketball roster was finalized for the Tokyo Olympics last week, the name that immediately stood out was Kevin Love.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, USA Basketball executive director Jerry Colangelo said the battle for that spot was close between Love and Julius Randle.
In fact, Colangelo noted that Randle was "right there" with Love, but the Cleveland Cavaliers star's previous international experience pushed him over the top.
Based on their individual performances during the 2020-21 season, Randle was by far a superior player to Love. The 26-year-old was named to the All-Star team for the first time in his career.
Cavaliers' Lindsay Gottlieb Agrees on Contract to Become USC WCBB HC
May 10, 2021
FILE - In this March 23, 2019, file photo, California head coach Lindsay Gottlieb instructs her team in the first half of a first round women's college basketball game in the NCAA Tournament, in Waco, Texas. The Cavaliers have hired former California coach Lindsay Gottlieb as an assistant on John Beilein’s staff. Gottlieb joins Beilein’s staff after serving eight years as the University of California, Berkeley women's basketball head coach, where she led the Golden Bears to a combined 179-89 (.668) record (86-58, .597 in Pac-12) since taking over the helm in 2011-12. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)
The USC women's basketball program announced Monday that it has hired Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Lindsay Gottlieb to be the team's next head coach.
💥We got GOTT! 💥 The Trojan Family is extremely excited to announce the hiring of new women’s basketball head coach Lindsay Gottlieb! Welcome to Troy, coach!#FightOn ✌️ pic.twitter.com/M7ZNX5gCpG
New @USCWBB head coach Lindsay Gottlieb has distinguished herself not only by leading Cal to the Pac-12 title and Final Four but as a pioneer for female coaches in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/eQl9VrPYs9
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Gottlieb is signing a six-year contract with the school.
Gottlieb took to social media to show her appreciation for the city of Cleveland:
Cleveland- you accepted me with open arms and my relationships with the city, my guys on the team, and the organization will be with me forever. I cannot thank you enough. https://t.co/VpWZ5DHTLO
Gottlieb, 43, will return to the college game after two seasons on J.B. Bickerstaff's staff in Cleveland (she was originally hired by John Beilein, though he lasted less than a season as head coach), where she "played a role in everything," per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
That included "game preparation and player development with the Cavs' strong young core of Jarrett Allen, Collin Sexton, Darius Garland and Isaac Okoro."
Previously, she served as the head coach at UC Santa Barbara (2008-11) and Cal (2011-19). She won two Big West championships, a Pac-12 regular-season championship, led Cal to the Final Four in 2013 and led her teams to seven NCAA tournament appearances.
Per Woj, Gottlieb made the decision to return to the college ranks "after an aggressive USC pursuit to bring her back to the Pac-12 Conference, including a massive upgrade in program salary and resources with hopes of restoring USC to the elite of women's college basketball."
USC had been aggressively pursuing #Cavs assistant coach Lindsay Gottlieb for quite some time now. She was set on staying in Cleveland. The NBA is where she wanted to be. But USC kept making offers and she couldn’t turn it down.
She'll have her work cut out for her at USC—the team went just 11-12 last season and hasn't made an NCAA tournament since the 2013-14 campaign. In the past 24 seasons, the USC women's basketball team has made the tourney just three times.
