USC’s men’s basketball program is entering a pivotal third year under head coach Eric Musselman, who has been busy reshaping the roster ahead of the upcoming season.
The Trojans boast five McDonald’s All‑Americans and the most highly rated freshman class in school history, a recruiting coup that signals a new ambition for the program.
A Roster Built for Depth and Versatility
Among the returnees, three players have deep roots in Southern California, while a wave of transfers brings experience and size, including a 7‑foot‑1 center from UConn.
Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, returns for a second season after playing through a sprained ankle, and he will likely share the backcourt with Rodney Rice, who averaged 20.3 points before a season‑ending shoulder injury.
KJ Lewis is also recuperating from an ankle issue, while Eric Reibe, the UConn transfer, is expected to anchor the paint. Freshmen twins Adonis and Darius Ratliff, both 7‑footers who can stretch the floor, join McDonald’s All‑American Christian Collins, who battles cystic fibrosis but has no minute restrictions.
Jacob Cofie, who started every game last season, is back in the lineup, and five additional transfers round out the depth. The addition of two point guards is aimed at revitalizing the offense, which struggled in recent years.
Musselman’s track record at Nevada and Arkansas includes multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, giving fans hope that the Trojans can follow suit and reclaim a prominent place in college basketball.