"It's vibes just talking to him": USC star Isaiah Collier declares LeBron James as the "greatest of all-time"
Isaiah Collier spent his true freshman season playing alongside Bronny James with the USC Trojans. The top-ranked overall prospect in the 2023 recruiting class also had the opportunity to spend time around LeBron James, learning from one of the greatest players in NBA history.
Speaking to Marc Spears of Andscape, he discussed that relationship, while labeling the Los Angeles Lakers star as the greatest of all time, stating:
"It’s vibes just talking to him. He told me to enjoy the process. It’s hard to make it even this far in your career. I’ve talked to LeBron a couple of times. He has definitely been a great resource for me. He is one of the greats — in my opinion, the greatest of all-time. It was crazy surreal to have met him. I’m blessed to be in this situation and I’m taking advantage of every moment." [h/t Andscape]
Isaiah Collier was one of 24 players invited to attend the 2024 NBA Draft. This year will mark the first year that the draft takes place across two days with the first round set to begin on Wednesday, June 26, and the second round taking place on Thursday, June 27.
The former Trojans guard is unlikely to have to wait until Day 2 to hear his name called as he is projected to land in the latter half of the first round.
Isaiah Collier has a chip on his shoulder ahead of 2024 NBA Draft
Isaiah Collier had an up-and-down season in his lone year of collegiate basketball. He entered the season as the top-ranked prospect in his class. However, he missed nearly a month of action with a hand injury, appearing in 27 games and making 26 starts.
Speaking to Spears, he shared that his challenging year created a chip on his shoulder, stating:
"I’m going into every workout with a chip on my shoulder. A lot of things didn’t go the way I wanted them to go. There is a purpose to it. I feel like I’m still going to showcase that I’m that guy. I want to show everyone that I’m the best guard in this draft class. I’m taking it day by day. Keep working. Going in there in high-level shape and showcasing what I do."
Isaiah Collier averaged 16.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists. 1.5 steals and 0.2 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game while shooting 49.0% from the field, 33.8% from three-point range and 67.3% from the free-throw line. The USC Trojans guard has a well-rounded game, but he will need to work on his jump shot.