Helena Frye
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has had a rich history in the NCAA, with 16 tournament appearances, including two Final Four finishes. The team has also accumulated 25 All-Americans, 14 league championships, and one conference tournament title. However, their performance in the 2025 March Madness tournament did not live up to expectations. A loss to Minnesota dealt a blow to their March Madness hopes, and they faced an uphill battle to secure a spot in the Big Ten tournament. Despite their challenges, the Trojans have a proud history and a dedicated coaching staff led by Eric Musselman, who aims to lead the team to success in future tournaments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is USC Men's Basketball in March Madness 2025? | No |
| USC Men's Basketball program | College basketball team |
| Conference | Big Ten Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I |
| Current head coach | Eric Musselman |
| Previous head coach | Andy Enfield |
| USC Trojans all-time record | 1,500–1,097 |
| USC Trojans achievements | 25 All-Americans, 14 league championships, one conference tournament title, 16 NCAA tournament appearances, five Sweet Sixteen appearances, four Elite Eight appearances, and two Final Four appearances |
| Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees | Sam Barry, Jack Gardner, Alex Hannum, Tex Winter, and Bill Sharman |
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What You'll Learn
- The USC Trojans men's basketball team has a rich history dating back to 1907
- The team has had several notable players and coaches inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
- They compete in the NCAA's Division I and have made 16 tournament appearances
- The Trojans had a challenging 2024-2025 season, with their March Madness hopes taking a hit after a loss to Minnesota
- Despite setbacks, the team has shown resilience with standout performances from players like Desmond Claude and Chibuzo Agbo
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has a rich history dating back to 1907
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has a rich history, with the programme starting in 1907. The team has an impressive all-time record of 1,500–1,097 (.578) in intercollegiate basketball games, with over 1,000 victories in college basketball.
The Trojans won their first conference title in 1928, and the team has gone on to win 14 league championships. In 1987, George Raveling took over as head coach, leading the Trojans to two NCAA tournament appearances in eight seasons. Henry Bibby, a former UCLA great, then took over as head coach in 1995, amassing a 131–111 record over ten seasons and leading the team to the NCAA tournament four times, including an "Elite Eight" appearance in 2001.
The Trojans have continued to find success in recent years, with the 2007 team setting a school record for most wins in a season and advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA tournament. The 2013 team also found success, winning the NCAA tournament. The current head coach is Eric Musselman, who is facing challenges in the 2024-2025 season, with the team's NCAA tournament aspirations taking a hit after a loss to Minnesota.
The team has featured notable players such as Desmond Claude, who led the team to a double-overtime victory over Rutgers in 2025, and Chibuzo Agbo, who has consistently scored high points. The USC Trojans men's basketball team has a long and proud history, with a strong record of achievements and a dedicated coaching staff, contributing to the programme's enduring legacy.
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The team has had several notable players and coaches inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has a rich history, with several notable players and coaches inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The team has had success in the March Madness NCAA Tournament, with 16 appearances, including five Sweet Sixteen appearances and four Elite Eight appearances.
The University of Southern California's basketball programme has produced several standout players who have gone on to have successful careers in the NBA and ABA. Two USC men's basketball alums have made the Hall of Fame as players, with a potential third on the way. One of these players is Bill Sharman, who was also inducted into the Hall of Fame as a coach. Sharman led the Los Angeles Lakers to their first title in LA in 1972 and was the team's GM and president during their Showtime run in the 1980s, winning five additional championships.
Another notable player is Calvin, a 6' point guard who had a First-Team All-Pac-8 stint at USC. Calvin played for various teams in the ABA and NBA, including the Los Angeles Stars, Denver Nuggets, and Virginia Squires. He was a five-time ABA All-Star and three-time All-ABA First Teamer.
In addition to Sharman, four other USC players have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as coaches: Jack Gardner, Alex Hannum, Tex Winter, and Sam Barry. Sam Barry was the coach of the USC Trojans and led the team to success, with a record of 1,500–1,097 in intercollegiate basketball games. The team has also had several football headmen serve as basketball coaches, including Ralph Glaze, Dean Cromwell, and Leo Calland, who led the Trojans to their first conference title in 1928.
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has a proud history, with numerous players and coaches achieving greatness and being recognised by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The team's success in the March Madness tournament and the achievements of its players and coaches have contributed to the programme's legacy.
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They compete in the NCAA's Division I and have made 16 tournament appearances
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has a rich history, competing in the NCAA's Division I and making 16 tournament appearances. The team represents the University of Southern California and has achieved notable success in the highly competitive world of college basketball.
The Trojans have a long-standing tradition in the sport, with their first official game taking place over a century ago in 1907. Since then, they have built a strong programme, consistently appearing in the NCAA Tournament and achieving numerous accolades. Their commitment to excellence is evident in their impressive record of 1,500–1,097 in intercollegiate basketball games.
The Trojans have made 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing their talent on the national stage. This includes five Sweet Sixteen appearances, four Elite Eight appearances, and two Final Four appearances. Their success has been built on a foundation of strong coaching and talented players, with names like Sam Barry, Jack Gardner, Alex Hannum, Tex Winter, and Bill Sharman inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as coaches.
The 2024-2025 season saw the Trojans join the Big Ten Conference, alongside other powerhouse programmes from universities such as Oregon, UCLA, and Washington. This move placed them in one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, further emphasising their status as a top-tier programme. The Trojans' head coach, Eric Musselman, leads the team with a focus on strategic gameplay and talent development.
The Trojans' success has continued into the 2025 NCAA Tournament, also known as March Madness. They have secured a spot in the highly coveted tournament, facing off against top teams and showcasing their skill and determination. Their journey through March Madness is a testament to their hard work and dedication, as they fight for the chance to become national champions.
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has left an indelible mark on the sport, and their ongoing pursuit of excellence continues to inspire fans and aspiring athletes alike. Their presence in the NCAA's Division I and their 16 tournament appearances are a testament to their legacy and impact on college basketball.
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The Trojans had a challenging 2024-2025 season, with their March Madness hopes taking a hit after a loss to Minnesota
The 2024-2025 season proved challenging for the USC Men's Basketball team, with their March Madness aspirations suffering a setback following a difficult loss to Minnesota. This game carried extra emotional weight for head coach Eric Musselman, who spent his formative years in Minneapolis while his father coached the Minnesota team. The Trojans led for most of the game, but a series of unfortunate events in the final minute, including an inadvertent whistle from a referee and crucial turnovers, cost them the win.
The score was tied at 59-59 when Wesley Yates III made a three-pointer, giving the Trojans a momentary lead. However, they couldn't maintain their momentum, and Minnesota's Frank Mitchell and Lu'Cye Patterson scored crucial baskets to secure the Golden Gophers' victory. The loss complicated USC's already precarious NCAA tournament hopes, with coach Musselman acknowledging the challenge ahead.
The Trojans' performance in the 2024-2025 season had been a rollercoaster, with notable wins and losses. They faced setbacks against teams like Minnesota and UCLA, with the latter handing them a 90-63 defeat. However, they also showcased resilience, with standout performances from players like Desmond Claude, who scored 28 points against Rutgers, and Chibuzo Agbo, who had a 26-point game against Washington.
While the loss to Minnesota dealt a blow to their March Madness hopes, the Trojans still had a chance to turn their season around. With their remaining games and the Big Ten tournament, they could still fight for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The challenging season had its ups and downs, but the team remained determined to secure a place in the post-season competitions and improve their standing.
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Despite setbacks, the team has shown resilience with standout performances from players like Desmond Claude and Chibuzo Agbo
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has had its fair share of setbacks over the years, including a 2010 investigation into allegations that former player O.J. Mayo received improper benefits during his time at the university. Despite this, the team has demonstrated resilience and continues to be a force in college basketball.
In the 2023-24 season, the Trojans welcomed junior guard Desmond Claude, who transferred to USC after two seasons at Xavier. Claude quickly made an impact, showcasing his offensive prowess and ability to consistently score at a high level. During his time at Xavier, he started all 34 games, averaging 16.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists, and carried that momentum into his first season at USC. Known for his attacking style of play, Claude was named the Big East Most Improved Player and was a key contributor in important wins, including a 36-point performance against Georgetown.
Another standout player, Chibuzo Agbo, joined the Trojans as a graduate transfer from Boise State, where he played for two seasons after beginning his career at Texas Tech. Agbo, a versatile 6-foot-7 guard, was named All-Mountain West honorable mention in the 2023-24 season. He averaged 13.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game for the Broncos, showcasing his scoring ability with a season-high 27 points against North Texas. Agbo's three-point shooting was particularly impressive, connecting at a 40.9% rate from beyond the arc.
The resilience of the USC Trojans men's basketball team is evident in their ability to bounce back from setbacks and maintain a strong presence in the highly competitive world of college basketball. With players like Desmond Claude and Chibuzo Agbo stepping up and delivering standout performances, the Trojans continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
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Frequently asked questions
No, they did not qualify for the tournament.
Yes, the USC Trojans have made it to the NCAA Tournament 16 times, including three consecutive appearances from 2007 to 2009.
The USC Trojans have an impressive basketball history, with two Final Four appearances, four Elite Eight appearances, five Sweet Sixteen appearances, and 16 total NCAA Tournament appearances.
Eric Musselman is the current head coach of the USC Trojans men's basketball team.
The USC Trojans men's basketball team competes in the Big Ten Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I.
