USC Basketball Rebuilds With Freshmen and Transfers

USC men's basketball faces a roster rebuild this season after losing three key contributors from last year's team. Guards Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas, along with forward Jacob Cofie, remained at the school, providing a core foundation. The rest of the lineup consists of new transfers and high-profile freshmen. Head coach Eric Musselman, in his third year leading the program, said the group is developing well. He noted that freshmen are eager to learn and praised Arenas for his progress since last season.

The departure of three players created gaps that the new arrivals must fill. Ezra Ausar, a 6-foot-9 forward who averaged 14.8 points and 6.5 rebounds last season, signed a contract with the Miami Heat on October 15. Chad Baker-Mazara, who shot 44.4 percent from the field, was dismissed on March 1. He is currently suing USC and Musselman, claiming the team dropped him to avoid paying the remainder of his Name, Image, and Likeness contract. Jerry Easter II transferred to Oregon, while Jordan Marsh moved to Temple. Kam Woods, who averaged 8.8 points and 4.1 assists, also left the roster.

The returning players bring specific strengths to the team. Cofie, a 6-foot-10 forward, ranked 41st in the nation with 1.75 blocks per game last season. He withdrew from the NBA draft to return to USC. Rice, a 6-foot-5 guard, missed most of last season due to a shoulder injury but averaged 20.3 points in the six games he played. He made the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Preseason Top 20 Watch List. Arenas missed the first 18 games of his freshman year with a torn meniscus but finished with averages of 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.

The new class includes several players dealing with injuries. Isaac Bruns, a transfer from South Dakota, was third in the NCAA in total points scored before a season-ending foot injury. Christian Collins, a five-star recruit ranked No. 5 by ESPN, is also dealing with a foot injury and will start his college career late. Eric Reibe, a 7-foot-1 center from UConn, is out with a foot injury but is expected to return in January. Reibe shot 65.8 percent from the field last season while playing for the NCAA runner-up.

Other new additions include Jalen Cox, a senior transfer from Colgate who led his team with 5.3 assists per game. Joshua Hughes from Evansville started all 32 games last season. Aaron Hunkin-Claytor from Hawai'i ranked second in the Big West in assist to turnover ratio. The Ratliff twins, Adonis and Darius, joined the team after both earned McDonald's All-American honors. Adonis, the 6-foot-11 forward, is the son of NBA All-Star Theo Ratliff. Darius, the 7-foot center, averaged 9.1 rebounds in high school. Onyeka Joe Agu brings international experience from the BNXT League in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Musselman acknowledged the challenges of integrating new players while managing injuries. He stated that the team is getting closer to being whole. The roster includes 12 new players, with several expected to contribute immediately despite health concerns. The Trojans will begin their season with this mixed group of returning starters and new faces.