USC Trojans Men's Basketball Team Gears Up for NCAA Tournament Run Under Coach Eric Musselman
The USC Trojans men's basketball team, led by coach Eric Musselman, is gearing up for the upcoming season with high hopes of making their first NCAA Tournament appearance under his leadership. The team is ranked No. 13 in the latest top 25 rankings by Fox Sports analyst Casey Jacobsen, a significant improvement from their 18-14 record in the previous season. USC's last NCAA Tournament appearance was in 2023, and a No. 13 ranking would secure their spot in the tournament field, making them the fourth highest ranked Big Ten team.
The Big Ten conference broke their long-standing national title drought in men's basketball last season, with Michigan emerging as the dominant force. Despite Michigan's success, Illinois holds the No. 2 spot in Jacobsen's rankings, followed by Michigan at No. 3 and Michigan State at No. 7. USC's potential for success in the upcoming season is bolstered by their strong backcourt, featuring returning guards Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas, who are poised to make a significant impact on the team's performance.
Rodney Rice, USC's leading scorer in the early part of the previous season, is looking to continue his impressive performance after recovering from a shoulder injury. Alijah Arenas, a highly-touted freshman guard last season, overcame a series of setbacks, including a car crash and a torn meniscus, to contribute to the team's success. With a healthy offseason of training, Arenas is expected to make significant strides in his sophomore year and further strengthen USC's backcourt.
In addition to their returning players, USC has added key pieces through the transfer portal, including four-star recruits Eric Reibe and KJ Lewis. Reibe, a center with potential upside, previously played for UConn, while Lewis, a proven scorer, joins the team from Georgetown, where he averaged 14.9 points per game in the 2025-26 season. These new additions are expected to enhance USC's roster and contribute to their quest for a successful season.
In conclusion, the USC Trojans men's basketball team is poised for a strong showing in the upcoming season, with a talented roster, experienced coaching staff, and high expectations for making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With a No. 13 ranking and a competitive lineup, USC is ready to compete against the top teams in the Big Ten conference and beyond.