Longtime former USC Trojans point guard Boogie Ellis, projected to be an early second-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, was largely overlooked by the league this week.
The 6-foot-2 San Diego product received an invitation to this year's draft combine, which will be held May 12-19 in Chicago. According to , former Ellis teammates Isaiah Collier (once a lottery pick and still considered a first-round prospect) and Bronny James (a very raw backup to Ellis and Collier) It is reported that 78 players have received the call-up. NBA Communications.
The fact that James and not Ellis received the invitation is very strange.
A two-time All-Pac-12 selection for the Cardinal and Gold (he also played two seasons at Memphis before transferring, where he was named AAC Sixth Man of the Year), he averaged 16.5 points. Recorded the score. He posted 427/.418/.720 shooting splits, 3.5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.4 steals on the night. He is a blemish on draft boards due to his relatively small size.
Meanwhile, James struggled offensively, averaging 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.8 steals per game on a .366/.267/.676 slash line. While he was in high school at Sierra Canyon in Chatsworth, he was considered a solid passer and defense-first guard, but he wasn't the athletic player he attended at the next level's prep school.
USC: Isaiah Collier earns major pre-draft invite