USC basketball's Boogie Ellis' NBA Draft Combine snub sparks fiery reactions

05/05/2024 20:27

USC basketball head coach Eric Musselman and his Trojans are currently navigating some choppy waters in Southern California, as the team recently moved on from previous head coach Andy Enfield and is currently in the process of integrating Musselman into the fray. USC basketball had a relatively disappointing 2023-24 college basketball season leading up to Musselman’s arrival, which was surrounded by turbulence in the form of transfer portal decisions, injuries, and the scrutiny that naturally comes from the national media when LeBron James’ son is on your team.

The team is now also dealing with some players leaving for the NBA, including presumptively Boogie Ellis, who was arguably the best player on the squad this past season.

Recently, the invites to the annual NBA Draft Combine, where participants will show off both their basketball skills and their measurable athletic abilities, was released, and some USC basketball fans were shocked to find that Ellis evidently did not make the cut.

Many fans took to X, the social media platform formerly referred to as Twitter, to voice their displeasure at the revelation.

“A little surprised #USC‘s Boogie Ellis didn’t make this camp” wrote one user in response to a G League Elite camp list of participants.

“Where is Boogie Ellis?” wondered another.

Recently, Ellis was seen in New York City and broke down what he is working on as he prepares to take his talents to the next level, even if he’ll have to do so without the services of the combine.

“Just working off coming off of screens, reacting, getting into the paint, and getting quick shots up. Stuff like that,” said Ellis, per Jonathan Givony of ESPN on X.

“I watch a lot of guys that have great footwork that are my size, like Jalen Brunson… this whole draft process I’ve been working on playing off of two, getting into the paint, and just being real crafty and using my feet and my mind to give me the edge,” added Ellis.

One Trojan did make it

Perhaps unsurprisingly, USC basketball backup guard Bronny James, son of LeBron James, did make the combine, despite putting up relatively pedestrian stats for the Trojans in 2023-24.

Of course, it should be noted that just a few months before the season began, Bronny dealt with a health scare in the form of a cardiac arrest he suffered at a USC practice, calling into question whether he would be able to take the court again in any capacity. The fact that he was able to suit up for the Trojans and fulfill his dream was certainly an inspirational story.

After the season ended, James both declared for the NBA Draft and entered the college transfer portal, meaning he will have multiple options going forward, the outcome of which could depend on his evaluation from NBA scouts at the upcoming combine, which is set to take place this summer.

However, it’s certainly fair to wonder just how much the James name helped out Bronny when compared to his teammates like Boogie Ellis

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