USC Trojans Basketball Stars Don’t Hold Back on Next Season’s Potential

Following the 2025 season, the USC Trojans basketball team has an opportunity to make a significant impact with the return of three key players, in addition to bringing several players through the transfer portal and high school recruiting.

Heading into next season, USC does seem to be a much-improved roster, and with the players who are coming back having a united approach, the Trojans could have an opportunity to take a step forward in the Big Ten and potentially qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

Mar 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Eric Musselman reacts against the UCLA Bruins at the Galen Center. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

in a video released by the program, USC stars Alijah Arenas, Jacob Cofie, and Rodney Rice revealed their reasoning for returning to the Trojans.

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Guard Alijah Arenas

Last season, guard Alijah Arenas struggled to stay healthy after a major knee injury in addition to other health concerns, which limited his freshman season. However, after a full offseason to recover, Arenas could be in a great position to make a major impact in his second season with USC.

“I feel like I’m more relaxed. Last year, I felt like I was all over the place, a little chaotic. But now this year, I get a fresh start, we have new freshmen, so I’m not the freshman anymore. I get to really show who I am,” said Arenas.

Feb 11, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; USC Trojans guard Alijah Arenas (0) dribbles the ball as Ohio State Buckeyes guard Taison Chatman (3) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images | Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

In Arenas’s 2025 campaign, he proved that he could contribute in a variety of areas as he averaged 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. On both ends of the floor, Arenas can make an impact, and with his 6-6 frame, he could really make a difference on defense with his ability to disrupt passing lanes and alter shots on the perimeter and at the…

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Publish date : 2026-06-10 15:02:00

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