USC Trojans basketball is back, and many stars shined brightly in their first week on the court this season. Both the men's and women's teams have a shot at contending for big prizes. If USC is not able to leave the football season with any big trophy, there is a great chance one of the hoops teams will be able to fill the gap and create special memories.
Here are my top performers across USC hoops this past week, both in college and the NBA:
Men's Basketball - Rodney Rice
In his season debut, it was more about his playmaking ability rather than his scoring. He posted 9 assists and just 15 points; in game 2 of the season on Sunday, he showed he can do multiple things. Rice had an explosive scoring outing with 32 points, and he also finished the game with 9 assists once again.
He will be the guy who gets things going for his teammates, and he can also take the lead when needed. The Trojans are in good hands with their senior.
Men's Basketball - Alijah Arenas
Alijah Arenas has now shown his massive improvement in 2 straight games. Arenas is the scorer for the Trojans this season, and he showed that more than ever in his second game of the season. Arenas had 30 points against Wichita State. He knows exactly how to get to his spots and find his rhythm. After 2 games, I am more confident than ever in my prediction that he will have a 20 points-per-game average. This season and lead the Trojans in points.
Women's Basketball - Juju Watkins
Juju Watkins had a modest season debut and return from injury last Monday. She scored 20 points with ease, but she was not overly dominant. She returned to best player in the country form in her second game of the week. Watkins had 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 steals against Utah State on Sunday night. That is the Juju Watkins everyone knows, and that is the version the Trojans will need to bring home the title.
Women's Basketball - Saniyah Hall
The Trojans' new freshman star has wasted no time showing what type of player she is. In her first two games, Saniyah Hall had 20 points. She is quickly making an impact and showing that she is on par with her very impressive co-stars. The excitement is building about Hall's potential for USC this season.
NBA - Onyeka Okongwu
This past week, Oneyka made his presence felt on the glass, having a double-double performance in 3 of his 4 games. His best game of the week came against the Washington Wizards, where he had 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 steals on Friday. That is the version the Atlanta Hawks will need moving forward.
NBA - Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley made an impact similar to Onyeka's last week, where he was stuffing the stat sheet for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mobley against the Philadelphia 76ers was at his best with a stat line of 22 points and 6 rebounds. Cleveland gave the 76ers their second loss of the season because of how effective Mobley was offensively. He also managed 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks against the Oklahoma City Thunder last Wednesday. This will be another year when the Cavaliers will be most dangerous when Evan Mobley is at his best, so he needs to take that next step.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC basketball roundup - men, women, and NBA - November 10, 2026
