Eric Musselman names emerging leaders on new USC basketball roster

Trojans Wire writer Tim Prangley talked to coach Eric Musselman about the emerging culture of leadership on the USC roster.

Year 1 of Eric Musselman’s USC basketball tenure is off and running. On a team that returns only one player from last season, Harrison Hornery, Musselman pointed to sources of vocal leadership after a practice held in the Galen Center.

You won’t typically find a roster which is created almost entirely from the transfer portal the way this USC basketball roster was assembled, but Eric Musselman had no choice in the matter. Andy Enfield’s sudden departure to SMU, which was not expected by anyone inside the USC athletic department, initiated the coaching search which led to Musselman’s arrival. Musselman has a reputation for being able to work the transfer portal better than most in college basketball. He went to the portal quite liberally and frequently to replenish his rosters at Arkansas and make three straight Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including two straight Elite Eights in 2021 and 2022. It is important that leaders do emerge on this USC roster, so that the Trojans form the cohesion and chemistry they will need if they are going to make the 2025 NCAA Tournament in the Big Ten Conference.

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Projected first-round pick Jared McCain headlines Warriors’ first draft workout

Projected first-round pick Jared McCain is among six prospects who will work out with the Warriors on Thursday.

Projected first-round pick Jared McCain is among six prospects who will work out with the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, according to Danny Emerman of the Bay Area News Group.

McCain was named to the ACC All-Rookie team after averaging 14.3 points, five rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals on 41.4% shooting from 3-point range in 36 games. He ranked 16th in the country among freshmen in 3-point percentage.

In addition to McCain, the Warriors will also host Boise State guard Chibuzo Agbo, Santa Clara guard Adama Bal, Northwestern guard Brooks Barnhizer, Weber State guard Dillon Jones and Grand Canyon forward Gabe McGlothan in the workout.

The Warriors have one draft selection this year, the 52nd pick from the Milwaukee Bucks. They owe their first-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers but will keep it if it falls within the first four selections in the draft lottery.

Golden State is slotted 14th in the draft lottery and has a 0.7% chance of landing the top pick and a 3.4% chance of making the top four. The pick, in all likelihood, will convey to the Trail Blazers, leaving the Warriors with only a second-round pick.

Teams often bring in as many prospects as possible to collect information on their personalities and on-court work ethics. The Warriors may not be able to draft every player they bring in, but they could cross paths with them again or look to acquire a first-round pick.

The draft lottery will occur on Sunday at 3 p.m. EDT on ABC.

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