If the offseason of USC was marked by the engagement of Bronny James at the beginning of May, the most important news however concerns the return of boogie ellis for a fifth and final season.
Author of a “senior” campaign with 17.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists last season under the tunic of the Trojans, the 22-year-old point guard could have tried his luck in the NBA and turned the page on his NCAA career, after four seasons. . But, disappointed by his team’s failed end to the season, released in the first round of “March Madness” by Michigan State, the native of San Diego very quickly made the decision to come back for one last dance.
” It was tough losing that game, I didn’t want my college career to end on such a note. », said Boogie Ellis, about his state of mind after that loss to the Spartans last March. ” So a dilemma presented itself to me, between leaving for the NBA or returning to university. But I checked all the boxes [sur le plan individuel]. Now I want to win before I leave. »
At the start of the school year, Boogie Ellis will thus find in Andy Enfield’s rotation the position of titular leader, within an ambitious team, composed in particular of the “freshman” Isaiah Collier, the best high school student in his age group, but also obviously Bronny James, if he is allowed to play again after his cardiac arrest, or even DJ Rodman.
” I want to be a leader by example, to be a pillar and a guarantor of our culture here for our young people “, adds the former player of Penny Hardaway in Memphis, to the delight of his coach who speaks of him as a boy” mature and focused. An ideal leader and teammate for his colleagues. »
A role of orchestrator of the attack and veteran for the locker room in short, for a fifth and final season during which he will be largely the favorite for the title of the best player in the Pac-12 conference.
Before registering for the 2024 Draft, which promises to be open and less dense than the 2023 edition…
