Helena Frye
The USC Trojans men's basketball team is the college basketball team representing the University of Southern California. The team has a rich history dating back to its first official game in 1907 and has produced notable players and coaches such as Sam Barry, who is the university's all-time winningest coach, and players Jack Gardner, Alex Hannum, Tex Winter, and Bill Sharman, all of whom have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The team competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and has accumulated numerous accolades, including league championships, NCAA tournament appearances, and Final Four finishes.
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USC Trojans men's basketball
The USC Trojans men's basketball program is a college basketball team that competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I, representing the University of Southern California. The team has a rich history dating back to 1907, when the Los Angeles Herald reported the commencement of basketball at USC. They played their first intercollegiate basketball game in Southern California on January 16, 1907, defeating Occidental College by a score of 18-15. Over the years, the Trojans have built a successful basketball program, with numerous accolades and achievements to their name.
The Trojans have an impressive all-time record of 1,500–1,097 in intercollegiate basketball games. They have produced 25 All-Americans, won 14 league championships, and made 16 appearances in the NCAA tournament. Additionally, they have reached the Sweet Sixteen five times, the Elite Eight on four occasions, and have twice made it to the Final Four. The team's success has been shaped by influential coaches and players throughout its history.
One of the most notable figures in USC Trojans basketball history is Sam Barry, who took over as head coach in 1929. Barry introduced an aggressive style of play and implemented strategic innovations that laid the foundation for the Triangle offense. He led the Trojans to tremendous success, winning eight division titles and three conference titles during his 17-year tenure. Barry's impact extended beyond the court, as he was instrumental in campaigning for rule changes, such as eliminating the center jump after each basket. He is a true Trojan legend, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach, alongside four of his USC players: Jack Gardner, Alex Hannum, Tex Winter, and Bill Sharman.
Another significant figure in the team's history is Leo Calland, who served as the head coach before Sam Barry. Calland was both a football assistant and basketball head coach at USC. His departure in 1929 created the opportunity for Sam Barry to step in and continue the program's success. The Trojans have had their fair share of triumphs and setbacks, with former player and coach Ernie Holbrook tragically dying during combat in Europe in 1944. Holbrook is honoured annually with the Ernie Holbrook Memorial Award, presented to the team's most inspirational player.
The USC Trojans men's basketball team continues to compete at the highest level of college basketball, now led by head coach Eric Musselman. Following the 2023–2024 academic year, USC, along with Pac-12 schools Oregon, UCLA, and Washington, joined the Big Ten conference, marking a new chapter in the team's history.
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History of USC basketball
The USC Trojans men's basketball program represents the University of Southern California in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. The team has a rich history dating back to 1907, when USC hosted its debut intercollegiate basketball game, marking the first of its kind in Southern California.
In the early years, the program was led by a series of player-managers and part-time coaches, including football head coaches Ralph Glaze, Dean Cromwell, Elmer "Gloomy Gus" Henderson, and Leo Calland. USC's basketball team often featured football standouts such as USC Athletic Hall of Famers Morley Drury and Jess Mortensen.
In 1922, USC joined the Pacific Coast Conference, and in 1928, they won their first conference title under Calland's leadership. The Trojans continued to build a winning tradition, and in 1949-50, Coach Sam Barry led the team to another successful season, producing an All-American player in Bill Sharman. Barry remains USC's winningest coach with an overall record of 260-138, including eight division titles and three conference titles.
Over the years, the USC Trojans men's basketball program has produced numerous talented players and achieved significant success. They have an impressive record of 1,500-1,097 (.578) in intercollegiate basketball games, with 25 All-Americans, 14 league championships, and 16 NCAA tournament appearances. The team has also made five Sweet Sixteen appearances, four Elite Eight appearances, and two Final Four appearances.
Some notable players in USC basketball history include DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vučević, Harold Miner, Paul Westphal, and Taj Gibson. DeRozan, a highly touted recruit, earned Pac-10 All-Freshman Team honors during his one year at USC before embarking on a successful NBA career. Vučević and Miner also stood out, with Miner earning the nickname "Baby Jordan" for his high-flying plays. Westphal, a dynamic scorer and leader, led the team to three consecutive postseason appearances, including the 1971 Elite Eight. Gibson, known for his shot-blocking skills and work ethic, brought a new level of toughness to the team when he arrived in 2006.
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Notable USC basketball coaches
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has had several notable coaches throughout its history. Here are some of the most prominent ones:
Sam Barry is undoubtedly one of the most renowned coaches in USC basketball history. He was the head coach of the Trojans from 1929 until his sudden passing in September 1950. During his 17-year tenure, Barry amassed an impressive overall record of 260-138. His teams won eight division titles and three conference titles, and he coached eight All-Americans. Barry's 40 consecutive wins over rival UCLA stand as the longest winning streak by any coach against a single opponent in college basketball history. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach, and his strategic innovations laid the groundwork for the Triangle offense.
Leo Calland was a significant figure in the early years of USC basketball. He served as the head coach before leaving in 1929 to become the football head coach and athletic director at the University of Idaho. During his time at USC, Calland led the Trojans to their first conference title in 1928, defeating the Washington Huskies.
Andy Enfield coached the USC Trojans men's basketball team from 2013 to 2024. During his tenure, the team achieved notable successes, including 16 NCAA tournament appearances, five Sweet Sixteen appearances, and four Elite Eight appearances.
Eric Musselman is the current head coach of the USC Trojans men's basketball program. He succeeded Andy Enfield and aims to continue the team's winning tradition.
Other notable USC basketball coaches include Dean Cromwell, who was also a track and field and baseball coach, and Elmer "Gloomy Gus" Henderson, who coached baseball and football in addition to basketball.
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USC basketball players and their achievements
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has a rich history of talented players who have achieved success on the court. Here is a detailed overview of some notable USC basketball players and their achievements:
DeMar DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan is widely considered one of the nation's top recruits. He is known for his dynamic scoring abilities and leadership skills. During his one-year tenure with the Trojans, he was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman Team before embarking on a successful NBA career.
Paul Westphal
Paul Westphal is regarded as one of the greatest players in USC history. He played for the Trojans from 1969 to 1972, earning All-Pac-8 honors in each of his three seasons. Westphal's aggressive playstyle and high basketball IQ helped lead USC to three consecutive postseason appearances, including the 1971 Elite Eight. He continued his success in the NBA, becoming a five-time All-Star and a champion with the Boston Celtics in 1974. Westphal was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Taj Gibson
Taj Gibson is a standout player known for his defensive prowess and toughness. He joined the Trojans in 2006 and immediately made an impact with his shot-blocking skills and relentless work ethic. Gibson played a crucial role in USC's advancement to the Sweet Sixteen in the 2007 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament. He was also named to the All-Pac-10 team and has had a successful NBA career.
Nikola Vučević
Nikola Vučević, also known as "Baby Jordan," is a three-time First-team All-Pac-10 player during his time at USC. He established himself as an imposing presence on the court and continued to excel in professional leagues worldwide after leaving USC.
Bill Sharman
Bill Sharman is considered the most successful basketball player to have attended USC. He was an All-American at USC and went on to have a stellar NBA career, winning four NBA titles with the Boston Celtics. Sharman was an eight-time NBA All-Star and an All-Star Game MVP. He also found success as a coach, winning NBA and ABA championships.
Other Notable Mentions
Other USC basketball players who have achieved notable success include Gus Williams, Dwight Anderson, Ernie Holbrook, Gene Rock, and Ted Gossard. The Trojans have a proud basketball history, with many players making significant contributions to the team's success and going on to have impactful professional careers.
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USC basketball games and results
The USC Trojans men's basketball program is a Division I college basketball team that competes in the Big Ten Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The team has a rich history, with their first official game taking place on December 6, 1907, and their debut intercollegiate basketball game on January 16, 1907, marking the first of its kind in Southern California.
The Trojans have an impressive all-time record, boasting 25 All-Americans, 14 league championships, one conference tournament title, and 16 NCAA tournament appearances. The team's success has also seen them make five Sweet Sixteen appearances, four Elite Eight appearances, and reach the Final Four twice.
The Trojans' success can be attributed to legendary coaches throughout their history. Sam Barry, who coached from 1929 until his sudden death in 1950, is a standout name. Barry implemented an aggressive style of play and his strategic innovations laid the groundwork for the Triangle offense. He led the Trojans to eight division titles and three conference titles, and his 40 consecutive wins over crosstown rival UCLA stand as the longest winning streak by any coach against a single opponent in college basketball history.
The Trojans' most recent game was against Tulane Green Wave in the College Basketball Crown on April 4, 2025, which they won 89-60. Their next game is scheduled for the same tournament against Villanova Wildcats.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the USC Trojans men's basketball program is a Division I college basketball team that competes in the Big Ten Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
USC's basketball team played its first official game in 1907, with the freshman team beating the sophomores 25-2. The team's first intercollegiate basketball game was held on January 16, 1907, with an 18–15 win over Occidental College. The team has had notable coaches such as Sam Barry, who laid the groundwork for the Triangle offense, and Andy Enfield, who led the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances.
The USC Trojans basketball team has an impressive record and has achieved numerous milestones. They have an all-time record of 1,500–1,097, with 25 All-Americans, 14 league championships, one conference tournament title, and 16 NCAA tournament appearances. They have also made five Sweet Sixteen appearances, four Elite Eight appearances, and two Final Four appearances.
