USC's Collier out 4-6 weeks with hand injury

USC freshman point guard Isaiah Collier is expected to miss the next four-to-six weeks due to a hand injury suffered in Wednesday's 72-64 loss to Washington State, the school announced Thursday.

Collier recorded 12 points and three rebounds in 23 minutes before the injury. The top prospect in the 2023 ESPN 100 is averaging 15.4 points, a team-leading 4.1 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 28.5 per game this season.

The 19-year-old is expected to be one of the top prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The injury to Collier could lead to more playing time for fellow freshman guard Bronny James. In eight games, James is averaging 5.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals.

USC is 8-8 on the season, ranking sixth in the Pac-12. The Trojans were originally ranked in the AP Poll, peaking at No. 16, but dropped from contention after the third week of the campaign.