The previous couple of weeks haven’t been variety to USC, who noticed JuJu Watkins go down with a torn ACL within the second spherical of the NCAA Match earlier than being eradicated from the Massive Dance within the Elite Eight by UConn for the second yr in a row.
Within the newest little bit of dangerous information, freshman guard Avery Howell announced that she has entered the switch portal.
“I need to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to the College of Southern California, my coaches, teammates, and the complete Trojan household for his or her unwavering help and the unimaginable experiences I’ve had throughout my time right here,” Howell wrote. “USC has formed me not solely as an athlete but in addition as an individual, and I’ll eternally cherish the relationships and reminiscences I’ve made. After a lot reflection, I’ve determined to enter the switch portal seeking the most effective match for my future. This was not a simple determination, however I imagine it’s the proper step for my journey.”
Howell was a part of the Trojans’ vaunted 2025 recruiting class, which included fellow five-star prospects Kennedy Smith and Kayleigh Heckel. Whereas she acquired off to a gradual begin in her freshman season, she ultimately emerged as a key determine for Lindsay Gottlieb’s group.
For the season, she averaged 7.5 factors and three rebounds, whereas capturing a team-best 39.9% from 3-point vary. Within the second half of the season, although, she put up 9.4 factors, 3.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.4 steals on 45.7% from behind the arc. She additionally had some massive video games within the NCAA Match, together with an 18-point, eight-rebound, four-steal effort within the Trojans’ Candy 16 victory over Kansas State.
It is unclear why Howell determined to switch or the place she’s going, however she’ll be top-of-the-line shooters within the portal and the Trojans will miss her subsequent season.
The place does USC go from right here?
Howell is just not the one key determine from this season’s group that’s leaving. Star ahead Kiki Iriafen is off to the WNBA, as is beginning heart Rayah Marshall. In the meantime, place to begin guard Talia von Oelhoffen and reserve heart Clarice Akunwafo will graduate and reserve guard Aaliyah Gayles may also enter the switch portal.
Whereas this system has not but put out a long-term prognosis for Watkins, there’s a good probability that she misses a big chunk of the 2025-26 season, if not the complete yr.
Within the occasion that Watkins does not play subsequent season, the Trojans will likely be down 4 starters and 77.9% of their offensive manufacturing, together with 4 of their 5 main scorers. The one returning gamers who averaged greater than quarter-hour per recreation could be Smith and Heckel.
The Trojans do have Jasmine “Jazzy” Davidson, the No. 3 prospect within the class of 2025 in line with 247 Sports activities, arriving on campus subsequent season. Davidson, a 6-foot-1 ahead, had 12 factors, six rebounds and two blocks within the McDonald’s All-American Sport on Tuesday evening.
Whereas Davidson figures to be a significant addition, the Trojans wouldn’t have one other top-100 recruit signed. Smith, Heckel and Davidson is an thrilling younger core, however with out Watkins it isn’t sufficient to contend for a title, which is now the expectation in Los Angeles after back-to-back journeys to the Elite Eight.
As Gottlieb and Co. hit the portal to fill out the roster — a method or one other, they want our bodies — it will likely be attention-grabbing to see which path they take. Will they search for win-now gamers like Ta’Niya Latson, Olivia Miles, Cotie McMahon and Serah Williams? Or will they attempt to construct for the long run with youthful gamers who would nonetheless be round when Watkins returns, equivalent to Kate Koval, Clara Silva or Sa’Myah Smith?
The Trojans are going to be aggressive subsequent season, however how a lot so is dependent upon who they’re in a position so as to add within the portal, which is the brand new actuality of school basketball.
