The University of Southern California (USC) men’s basketball team remains undefeated with a record of 8-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big Ten, despite facing significant injury challenges. The Trojans secured a 68-60 victory against Oregon in their conference opener, showcasing a resilient spirit as they prepare to face the Washington Huskies on Saturday.
Head coach Eric Musselman expressed confidence in his squad during a recent Zoom call, emphasizing the camaraderie among players. “There’s a pride in your role,” he stated, noting that many team members are stepping up to fill gaps created by injuries. This season, the Trojans have been without rising star Alijah Arenas, who is sidelined due to a torn meniscus. Additionally, guard Rodney Rice has struggled with a shoulder injury, impacting his availability.
Musselman highlighted the ongoing injury situation, stating, “Last year, we were one of the most injured teams in all college basketball, and right now we’re right on pace to be one of the most injured teams in college basketball as well.” He mentioned that Rice is currently day-to-day, while Amarion Dickerson may be limited after sustaining an undisclosed injury against Oregon.
Despite these setbacks, Musselman remains optimistic about Arenas’ recovery. The freshman, ranked 13th in the 2025 recruiting class, is anticipated to return by mid-January, according to recent evaluations from two doctors. “Alijah’s rehab is going phenomenal,” Musselman noted, reinforcing the hope for a stronger roster in the near future.
### Facing a Tough Opponent
The upcoming match against Washington, which holds a record of 5-3 overall and 0-1 in the conference, presents a significant challenge. The Huskies are coming off a narrow loss to UCLA and feature promising talent, including freshman Hannes Steinbach. The 6-foot-11 forward is averaging 17.4 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, making him a key player to watch.
Musselman remarked on the size of Washington’s lineup, saying, “We’re going to face a three-man front line that’s as big as anyone.” The Huskies also boast center Frank Kepnang, who is averaging 2.3 blocks per game, and Lathan Sommerville, a 6-foot-10 player who brings additional depth to their frontcourt.
USC’s own center, Gabe Dynes, stands at 7-foot-5 and is still working towards a breakout performance. Currently, he is playing an average of 8.6 minutes per game, with averages of 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds. “We’ve got to get Gabe’s confidence back up,” Musselman said, indicating the importance of Dynes’ contributions as the season progresses.
### Game Details
The Trojans will take on the Huskies at the Galen Center on Saturday at 15:00 local time. The game will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network and 710 AM radio.
As USC navigates the challenges of injuries and roster adjustments, the team’s spirit and determination remain strong. The upcoming matchup promises to be an exciting test for the Trojans as they look to continue their undefeated streak in the early part of the season.
