USC hoops is heating up for the Acrisure Series in Palm Springs, aiming to bounce back from last year’s double-digit losses with a revamped roster and star recruits. Under coach Eric Musselman, the Trojans return key players like Rodney Rice and Jacob Cofie, add elite transfers including Jalen Cox and KJ Lewis, and welcome a top-tier 2025 recruiting class led by five-star Christian Collins. With potential matchups against Arizona State, LSU, and others — including a possible rematch with the Sun Devils — the Trojans are poised to show major improvement and make a statement in their second straight Acrisure appearance.

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Aaron Hunkin-Claytor, a junior guard with a wild basketball journey, is back in California after two seasons at Hawaii, now joining USC under head coach Eric Musselman. Once a top high school point guard in Northern California, he traded the West Coast for Oahu before returning home — this time to play college ball in Los Angeles, a full-circle moment made sweeter by his mom’s USC master’s degree. His football background as a quarterback has sharpened his court vision, and he’s laser-focused on being a playmaker, not a scorer. Despite a shortened season due to injury, his drive to compete at the NCAA Tournament level remains fierce. With USC rebuilding and assistant coach Brad Davidson helping ease his transition, Hunkin-Claytor’s unique story could be the spark the Trojans need.

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USC Trojans are rebuilding for basketball season amid injury hurdles, hoping a healthier roster this year can fix last year’s NCAA Tournament miss. With only nine players currently in live drills, key returnees like Rodney Rice—expected back by August 25th after a shoulder injury—and Aaron Hunkin-Claytor are crucial to their turnaround. Rice, who averaged 20+ points and 6 assists in limited play last season, is set to form a dynamic backcourt with Alijah Arenas, who returned from the NBA draft. Meanwhile, Eric Reibe and KJ Lewis remain sidelined, with Lewis likely returning in late September. Despite the setbacks, Musselman’s strong transfer class—ranked third in the Big Ten—has fans optimistic about a deep tournament run and Big Ten title contention.

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