So much has been said already, but let’s offer one final summation of where USC stands heading into this much-anticipated basketball season.
Here’s what we think about USC basketball heading into the 2023-2024 campaign.
Matt Zemek:
Bronny James gets the attention, but the not-fully-healthy player USC needs to get back in its lineup is Vince Iwuchukwu. The Trojans need more big-man depth behind Josh Morgan. Kijani Wright can’t do it alone. Vince The Prince needs to be a significant contributor for this team to reach its potential, even more than Bronny.
Assuming neither Bronny nor Iwuchukwu gets healthy, USC will need a role player — Kijani Wright, Oziyah Sellers, Harrison Hornery — to play above expectations and become a significant rotational player. USC doesn’t have enough depth to become a complete team as is, with Bronny and Vince unavailable. An unheralded player has to become a big (pleasant) surprise.
D.J. Rodman’s 3-point shooting could make the whole difference between USC being a good team and a great team. If he shoots well, that spreads the floor for Isaiah Collier and Boogie Ellis. It would be a game-changer.
Matt Wadleigh:
Health, health, and health. The pieces are there, and if Vince Iwuchukwu can be healthy, and Isaiah Collier can be himself, the Trojans are going to be a Pac-12 nightmare.
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