The last time USC men’s basketball won the Pac-12 championship, the Pac-12 did not exist. The 1985 Pac-10 season marked the rise of USC under then-coach Stan Morrison. Nearly 40 years later, USC is still searching for its next conference championship on the hardwood. The year 1985 was a time when the USC women’s basketball program was enjoying its dynastic period under future icon Cheryl Miller. The Trojans won multiple national championships in the mid-1980s and were a regular Final Four team. Men’s basketball is still waiting for that next conference crown, and for its first Final Four trip since 1954.
Just how serious a contender is USC in the 2024 Pac-12, the last season of Pac-12 basketball for the program before its move to the Big Ten? Let’s take an early look. Some national commentators, as you will quickly find out, are already buying in. Bronny James is part of this, but it’s also about the roster Bronny James is joining at USC: