Eric Musselman was recently introduced as the new men’s basketball coach at the University of Southern California after a hurried courtship that followed Andy Enfield’s departure. USC athletic director Jen Cohen swiftly targeted Musselman, who was coming off a losing season at Arkansas. Musselman expressed his interest in the job and is eager to continue the success that Enfield had built over 11 years. The Trojans are looking to rebound from a disappointing season and Musselman is under pressure to hire a coaching staff and finalize his roster, as some key players have already made decisions regarding their futures.
Musselman faces the challenge of replacing players like Boogie Ellis and possibly Isaiah Collier, who could declare for the NBA draft. Complicating matters, freshman talent Bronny James, the son of NBA star LeBron James, announced he is entering the NBA draft while retaining his college eligibility and entering the transfer portal. Musselman is reaching out to current players and recruiting new talent to build a competitive roster quickly. He emphasizes the importance of recruiting in shaping the team’s future and acknowledges the need to move swiftly to establish a strong foundation for success at USC.
The welcome for Musselman at USC was enthusiastic, with band members, cheerleaders, and even the iconic white horse, Traveler, in attendance at the Galen Center. Musselman’s family, including wife Danyelle and children Mariah and Michael, showed their support at the event. With USC and UCLA both joining the Big Ten, the Trojans are focused on creating a formidable home-court advantage to compete in the conference. Musselman aims to unite fans, students, and the community to fill the Galen Center and establish a strong presence in the Big Ten.
Musselman recognizes the success of the USC women’s basketball team, which reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 30 years. He has already connected with coach Lindsay Gottlieb and sees an opportunity to build on the momentum of the women’s program. This marks Musselman’s third stint in Los Angeles, having previously worked with the Clippers and Lakers in various capacities. He has received support from figures in the Los Angeles sports community, including Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and president Stan Kasten, further solidifying his ties to the city.
As he settles into his new role at USC, Musselman is excited about the opportunity and views it as a dream job for himself and his family. He is eager to make an impact on the USC men’s basketball program and continue the tradition of success at the university. With his experience and track record of building winning teams, Musselman is poised to guide the Trojans to new heights in the competitive landscape of college basketball. USC fans can expect an exciting era under Musselman’s leadership as he works to elevate the program and achieve sustained success in the future.
