Eric Musselman: Coach and Innovator
Eric Musselman embodies the dual role of a coach and a salesman, perhaps because of his upbringing. His father, a seasoned basketball coach, instilled in him the importance of engaging fans and filling arenas.
Since taking the helm of the USC men’s basketball team just over two years ago, Musselman has made a concerted effort to build connections. He’s invited fraternity brothers to practices, provided food for students, and even played pickleball with tennis players. All these efforts aim to fill the Galen Center.
As he enters his third season with the Trojans, Musselman feels he finally has a team that can captivate audiences.
The roster boasts five McDonald’s All-Americans, featuring the highest-rated freshman class in the program’s history and three players hailing from Southern California. That’s crucial in a place like Los Angeles, always seeking standout talent.
“Time will tell,” Musselman remarked in a detailed conversation with The California Post.
He compared this team to his previous Arkansas squad that reached the Elite Eight twice and made it to the Sweet 16. USC fans have reasons to be excited, especially since only three programs have made it to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament since 2000.
Adding to the excitement, star freshman Aliyah Arenas has decided to return for his second season with the Trojans. Musselman emphasized that he didn’t pressure Arenas, allowing him to make his own choice.
“This wasn’t just about the NBA,” Musselman explained. “There were decisions to make about going back to college, and then whether to enter the transfer portal or stay.” He noted that Arenas seemed committed from the start.
Musselman praised Arenas, son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, for playing through a tough ankle sprain during the last five games of the season, saying most players would’ve taken weeks off.
“It was a bad sprain. I’m telling you, it wasn’t easy,” Musselman said.
Recently cleared to practice, Arenas will add valuable scoring and playmaking alongside Rodney Rice and KJ Lewis in the backcourt. Both guards are working back from their own injuries; Rice averaged 20.3 points in six games before a shoulder issue ended his season, while Lewis is recovering from an ankle injury from his time at Georgetown. Musselman conveyed his excitement about Lewis, whom he scouted in high school and eagerly recruited after Lewis transferred from Arizona.
“He’s a high-assist player for a scorer and gets to the line a lot,” Musselman said.
One of the team’s most promising young recruits is Eric Reib, a towering 7-foot-1 center who was a McDonald’s All-American last season despite limited playing time as a freshman. Musselman and his team believe Reib could have a breakout season this year. Typically, players often make significant strides after their freshman year, and Reib has already shown he can both protect the rim and shoot 3-pointers, which is vital to the team’s strategy.
This emphasis on shooting extends to the twin freshmen, Adonis and Darius Ratliff, who are also capable of hitting 3s. Musselman has even encouraged Adonis to aim for the school’s single-season record for three-point shots.
Adonis plays both forward positions, and Darius focuses on power forward and center. Their versatility mirrors that of another freshman, Christian Collins, who is a McDonald’s All-American from St. John Bosco High School, capable of playing multiple positions. Collins, who battles cystic fibrosis, is likely to be a fan favorite, showcasing the spirit of overcoming adversity.
“He’s aware of the significance of his journey,” Musselman noted, assuring that Collins has been cleared by the medical staff without restrictions.
Another returnee is Jacob Coffey, a forward who started every game last season and harbors NBA aspirations. The roster also sees the addition of five transfers: point guards Jalen Cox from Colgate and Aaron Hankin-Claytor from Hawaii, guards Isaac Bruns from South Dakota and Jadis Jones from Lindenwood, and forward Joshua Hughes from Evansville.
These two new point guards, in particular, aim to support Rice’s ball handling, aiming to improve the organization of the Trojans’ offense—something Musselman felt had been lacking in previous seasons.
“It worked at Nevada and Arkansas,” he stated, reflecting on successful strategies that have led his teams to the NCAA Tournament consistently.
So, will Musselman succeed at USC? Before midseason arrives, take a moment to absorb the atmosphere at the Galen Center. Just listen closely. The excitement is palpable.
