A New Era for the Trojans
USC’s men’s basketball program is entering a pivotal third year under head coach Eric Musselman, who has assembled a roster that blends experience with fresh talent.
The Trojans boast five McDonald’s All-Americans and the highest-rated freshman class in school history, a combination that signals an aggressive push toward national relevance.
Among the returnees, Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, is back for his second season despite a lingering sprained ankle that he managed through the final five games of last year.
Adding to the backcourt, transfer KJ Lewis arrives from Georgetown, where he honed his playmaking, and is expected to pair with Rodney Rice to create one of the most dynamic duos in the Pac-12.
At the center, 7-foot-1 transfer Eric Reibe from UConn is slated to address the team’s long-standing interior gaps, while twin freshmen Adonis and Darius Ratliff bring 7-foot height and a surprising three-point skill set.
Versatility defines another key piece, Christian Collins, a McDonald’s All-American who battles cystic fibrosis yet can operate at multiple positions, giving the coaching staff flexible lineups.
Jacob Cofie, who previously explored an NBA draft entry, has decided to return, and along with five additional transfers focused on ballhandling and offensive firepower, the bench depth looks markedly improved.
Musselman’s vision mirrors the success he achieved at Nevada and Arkansas, where disciplined systems and player development produced conference titles; now the Trojans hope to translate that formula into postseason contention.