USC forward Evan Mobley (left) and Isaiah Mobley watch the NCAA win over Kansas in March.
(Paul Sancia / Associated Press) #
Evan Mobley’s subtle stellar power put USC on the path of March, but Isaiah Mobley’s sudden rise in the final stretch of the season took the Trojans to a new level in the postseason.
Isaiah’s performance was impressive enough that he seriously considered joining his younger brother in the draft. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Evan as third overall, while Isaiah decided to return, aiming to be the center of the USC attack.
His protection, Anfield said, may be even more important.
“We feel like Isaiah has turned into what I consider to be the best defender in our conference,” Anfield said.
That will go a long way in replacing his brother, who averaged nearly three blocks per game on his way to the Pac-12 Defender of the Year title. But the USC still has a lot of size in its frontcourt, especially with the addition of 6’11 ” Josh Morgan in the frontcourt. Morgan missed last season after moving from Long Beach State.
Perhaps the best question is how Isaiah Mobley deals with being in the middle of it all. He looked just fine in March when he shot 66.7% from three points in the postseason. Anfield said he has grown into a “real player, inside and out” and “a great passer.”