Alijah Arenas entered his freshman year at USC with a name that already carried NBA pedigree. The guard’s lineage traces back to his father, Gilbert Arenas, a three‑time All‑Star who once thrilled fans with his scoring exploits. In 14 games, Arenas posted 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 34.1 % from the field, numbers that have already attracted early‑draft buzz.
A New Era for the Trojans
His most memorable performance came against the Indiana Hoosiers, where he erupted for a season‑high 29 points, showcasing a scoring burst that could translate into a higher shooting percentage next season. Coaches and analysts alike note that Arenas is already working on tightening his shot selection, a key factor if he hopes to live up to the No. 7 projection in the 2027 NBA Mock Draft.
Joining him in the backcourt is Rodney Rice, a fellow freshman who arrived with high expectations. Rice’s freshman campaign was cut short by a right‑shoulder injury, but his six‑game stretch revealed 20.3 points, 6.0 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game, hinting at a playmaker’s vision that could complement Arenas’ scoring.
Both players share a common goal: to become the most dominant backcourt in the Big Ten and to steer the Trojans back to the NCAA Tournament. Their ambition extends beyond a single tournament appearance; they envision a deep March run that could rejuvenate the program’s national profile.
USC’s coaching staff, led by head coach Eric Musselman, is shaping a strategy that maximizes the complementary skill sets of Arenas and Rice. Musselman’s emphasis on offensive versatility and defensive intensity provides a framework in which the duo can thrive, potentially turning the Trojans into a formidable contender among the nation’s elite programs.
The broader landscape of college basketball also places these aspirations in context. With powerhouses such as Kansas, Alabama, Arizona, UConn, Florida and Maryland Terrapins all projected as top seeds, the path to a deep tournament run will require USC to navigate a gauntlet of elite competition.