Amanda Knapp
The University of Southern California (USC) men's basketball team, also known as the Trojans, has a rich history in NCAA Division I basketball. The Trojans have experienced both successes and challenges over the years, including two appearances in the Final Four (in 1940 and 1954) and several trips to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight. The team has produced notable players such as Isaiah Mobley and Evan Mobley, and is currently coached by Andy Enfield, who has led the team to new heights in recent years. With a strong transfer roster for the 2025-26 season, the Trojans are looking to make their mark in the highly competitive world of college basketball once again.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | USC Trojans |
| Division | Division I |
| Tournament Achievements | Final Four (1940, 1954), Sweet 16 (1961, 2001, 2007, 2021), Elite Eight (2001, 2021) |
| Conference | Pac-12 |
| Coach | Eric Musselman |
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What You'll Learn
USC Trojans men's basketball team history
The USC Trojans men's basketball team is a college basketball team that competes in the Big Ten Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I. The team represents the University of Southern California.
The Trojans have a rich basketball history, dating back to the early 20th century. In 1922, USC joined the Pacific Coast Conference, and just six years later, in 1928, they won their first conference title under the leadership of Coach Calland. The Trojans edged out the Washington Huskies in the second and final game of the conference championship series to claim the title.
Prior to fielding conference teams, USC's men's basketball team was coached by notable USC coaches such as Dean Cromwell, a track and field, and baseball coach, and Elmer "Gloomy Gus" Henderson, who also coached baseball and football at the university. Over the years, the team has been led by several talented coaches and has seen many standout players, including USC Athletic Hall of Famers Morley Drury and Jess Mortensen.
In more recent times, the Trojans have continued to make their mark in NCAA Division I basketball. George Raveling took over the program in 1987, leading the team to two NCAA tournament appearances during his eight-season tenure. Henry Bibby, a former UCLA great, became the head coach in 1995, guiding the Trojans to the NCAA tournament in 1997, 2001, and 2002, including an "Elite Eight" appearance in 2001. Andy Enfield coached the team from 2013 to 2024, and the current head coach is Eric Musselman.
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has an impressive all-time record in intercollegiate basketball games, standing at 1,500–1,097 (.578). The team continues to represent the University of Southern California with pride and is a force to be reckoned with in the highly competitive NCAA Division I landscape.
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USC basketball players in the transfer portal
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has seen several players enter the transfer portal in recent years, with varying levels of impact on the team's performance. The Trojans compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and have had a mixed record in recent seasons.
In 2024, the Trojans had a disappointing season, finishing with a 15-18 record, which may have contributed to the movement of players in and out of the program. Sophomore forward Kijani Wright was the first player to enter the transfer portal that year, seeking more playing time and a potential starting role at another institution. He was followed by Southern California sophomore guard Oziyah Sellers, who showed promise with increased playing time in his most recent season.
One of the biggest names to enter the transfer portal that year was Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James. James declared for the NBA draft while also entering the transfer portal, leaving his options open if he is not selected by an NBA team. Another notable departure was that of Kobe Johnson, a junior forward who was a key contributor to the Trojans, averaging 10.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 steals in his third season with the team.
On the other hand, the Trojans have also been active in recruiting players through the transfer portal. In 2025, they landed three significant commitments: Amarion Dickerson, a forward from Robert Morris, Keonte Jones, a forward from Cal State Northridge, and Jacob Cofie, a forward who transferred from Virginia. Dickerson, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in the Horizon League, is expected to make an impact on both ends of the court for the Trojans. Jones is a well-rounded player who averaged impressive statistics during his time at Cal State Northridge, and Cofie, a highly-regarded recruit, adds depth to the squad.
The movement of players in and out of the USC basketball program through the transfer portal is a strategy employed by the team to address specific needs, such as improving their defensive performance, and to provide opportunities for players seeking expanded roles at other institutions. The Trojans' activity in the transfer portal showcases the dynamic nature of college basketball rosters and the ongoing pursuit of success in the highly competitive NCAA landscape.
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USC basketball players in the NCAA tournament
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has had 16 NCAA tournament appearances, including five Sweet Sixteen appearances, four Elite Eight appearances, and two Final Four appearances. The team's NCAA journey began in 1940 under the leadership of program icon Sam Barry, who was also a coach for the football and baseball teams.
The Trojans' best NCAA Tournament results came between 1939 and 1961, with the team advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in 2007, led by future NBA players Nick Young, Taj Gibson, and Gabe Pruitt. In the 2007-08 season, the Trojans featured highly-ranked prospect O. J. Mayo, but he was later deemed ineligible to play in that season due to receiving improper benefits.
The Trojans continued their success, making three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including in 2011, when they were led by head coach Kevin O'Neill. After a disappointing 2012-13 season, Andy Enfield was hired as the new head coach, and he guided the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament in 2016. The team also qualified for the 2020 NCAA Tournament but did not play due to the pandemic. They were set to participate in the 2021 tournament as well.
Some notable USC basketball players who have gone on to have successful careers in the NBA include Paul Westphal, Gus Williams, Nick Young, Taj Gibson, and Gabe Pruitt.
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USC basketball players in the Final Four
The USC Trojans men's basketball team has had two Final Four appearances. The first was in 1940 under program icon Sam Barry, who also mentored Forrest Twogood, the coach who led the Trojans to their second Final Four in 1954.
In the eight-team 1940 NCAA Tournament, two schools that would become powerhouses of college basketball—Indiana and Kansas—reached the Final Four and eventually met in the national championship game. The Trojans' best NCAA Tournament results came from 1939 through 1961, the first 23 years of the Big Dance.
In 1954, the Trojans won two games against then-second-place California two weeks before the end of the 1953–54 season, in which they were in third place in the PCC. Their next and final conference series of the regular season was against the first-place UCLA Bruins. The Bruins had not lost at home all season and needed just one win in two games to secure the division title. USC's third-team All-America center, Roy Irvin, scored 29 points in the first game, leading the Trojans to victory over the Bruins, 79–68. The Trojans went on to lose to the Bradley Braves in the 1954 Final Four national semifinals.
In addition to their two Final Four appearances, the USC Trojans have an impressive basketball record. They have 25 All-Americans, 14 league championships, one conference tournament title, 16 NCAA tournament appearances, five Sweet Sixteen appearances, and four Elite Eight appearances. Sam Barry and four of his USC players (Jack Gardner, Alex Hannum, Tex Winter, and Bill Sharman) have been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as coaches, with Sharman also being inducted as a player.
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USC basketball players who are top scorers
The University of Southern California (USC) has a Division I basketball team, the Trojans. The team has a rich history, with 47 players making it to the NBA/ABA so far. Here are some of the top-scoring USC basketball players:
- DeMar DeRozan: DeRozan played for the Toronto Raptors and is known for his mid-range mastery, which has made him one of the league's most prolific scorers. He was traded to the San Antonio Spurs and later joined the Chicago Bulls in 2021, where he continues to be a high scorer. DeRozan has been named to six All-Star teams and three All-NBA rosters and is likely on his way to the Hall of Fame.
- Paul Westphal: Westphal had a 12-year Hall of Fame career in the NBA. He played for the Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Seattle SuperSonics, and New York Knicks. He was a five-time All-Star, a champion with the Celtics, and a four-time All-NBA Team selection. Westphal averaged 15.6 points, 4.4 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game over his 823-game career.
- Gus Williams: Williams, a 6'2" guard, played for the Golden State Warriors and Seattle SuperSonics during an 11-year career. He won an NBA championship with Seattle in 1979 and was an integral part of several contending teams. Williams was an All-NBA Second Team selection in 1980 and a First Team selection in 1982, when he was also named the NBA Comeback Player of the Year. He was a two-time All-Star in 1982 and 1983. Over his 825-game career, Williams averaged 17.1 points, 5.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.0 steals.
- Danny Vranes, Sabrina Ionescu, James Worthy, Skylar Diggins, and Tayshaun Prince: While specific details on their scoring achievements were not readily available, these players are mentioned as notable USC basketball players. Their inclusion on this list indicates their potential as top scorers or significant contributors to the team's success.
These players have represented USC admirably, with some even making it to the Hall of Fame. Their scoring prowess and achievements in the NBA showcase the talent that has come through the USC basketball program.
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Frequently asked questions
USC basketball, also known as the Southern California Trojans, is in Division I.
The Trojans have made the Final Four twice, in 1940 and 1954. They have not won an NCAA title.
USC has made it to the Sweet 16 four times, in 1961, 2001, 2007, and 2021.
Andy Enfield coached USC for nine years, until 2022. Eric Musselman is the current coach as of 2025.
