Uncertainty abounds as No. 21 USC and K-State open in Vegas

When the schedule was released, a lot of attention was focused on Kansas State and Southern California opening the season in Las Vegas on Nov. 6.

It was expected to be the debut of Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA star LeBron James, who committed to the Trojans over a list of blue bloods including Duke, Kansas, Kentucky and North Carolina.

The Wildcats are coming off a run to the Elite Eight in coach Jerome Tang's first season, with optimism surrounding the program.

But uncertainty was the operative word as Monday's game approached.

James suffered a cardiac arrest during a preseason practice July 24. Further testing revealed a congenital heart defect. Everything is progressing, and James is expected to join the team at some point. But it would be a surprise if he were available for the opener.

The 21st-ranked Trojans return their leading scorer from last season, Boogie Ellis. Ellis averaged 17.7 points per game, second in the Pac-12. He has shown the ability to drive into the paint and score from beyond the 3-point arc, where he led the team in attempts, makes and percentage.

He'll be joined in the backcourt by Isaiah Collier, ESPN's No. 1-ranked recruit in the class of 2023. Collier was named the co-MVP of the McDonald's All-American game after scoring 25 points.

Head coach Andy Enfield is excited about the start of the season for the Trojans.

"We have a great mix of experienced players who have been in a lot of big games, and a very talented freshman class," he said at Pac-12 media day. "This is our most athletic squad with speed. We should play a lot faster this year.

"Boogie and Isaiah complement each other very well. Boogie is a natural scorer (who) has come a long way in his decision-making. Isaiah is very fast and athletic, a great passer with tremendous court vision. Those two are very dynamic as a tandem."

Much like a year ago, Kansas State comes into the season with a mostly unknown roster. Gone to the NBA are Keyontae Johnson and Markquis Nowell, who combined for 35 of K-State's 76.2 points per game.

The leading returning scorer is Nae'Qwan Tomlin, who averaged 10.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Much is expected of him this season.

"Last year, when Qwan played 30 or more minutes in a game, we only lost one game, and that was the last one," Tang said at Big 12 media day. "Him staying out of foul trouble is what I hope, so that we can keep him on the floor for 30 minutes. If he's out there playing with energy, he's going to be super productive."

Among Tang's recruits, the one getting the most attention is Tylor Perry, a shooting guard who transferred from North Texas, where he averaged 17.3 points per game and led the Mean Green to the NIT championship.

Tang, who is big on culture in his program, talked about what Perry brings to the team.

"He smiles every day," Tang said. "People just love being around him. He may be the best shooter in America. So that is the basketball side of things. But just the personality and how he brings people together is really special."

--Field Level Media