{
  "id": 17975364,
  "title": "5 bold predictions for USC men's basketball as 2026-27 season begins",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/5-bold-predictions-for-usc-mens-basketball-as-2026-27-season-begins",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-03T14:34:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/5-bold-predictions-usc-mens-143446850.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The USC Trojans men's basketball team has made significant improvements over the offseason, creating a more talented roster. Head coach Eric Musselman will have a chance to showcase his coaching abilities with one of the deepest teams in college basketball. Here are the five bold predictions for the upcoming 2026-27 season:\n\n1. Rodney Rice and Alijah Arenas will form a formidable backcourt duo, each scoring at least 20 points per game. Rice's playmaking skills will further elevate the team.\n2. The team is expected to be a top-four Big Ten team, given the depth and talent in their roster.\n3. Freshman Christian Collins will be a top freshman in the country, thanks to his outstanding versatility, improved shot creation, and shooting ability.\n4. USC Trojans will make it to the Sweet 16, as other Big Ten teams have gone deep into the tournament in recent years. The team's depth, elite scoring, and versatility make them strong contenders.\n5. Alijah Arenas is projected to be a lottery pick in the upcoming NBA draft, following his strong season with multiple 20-point performances.",
  "summary": "USC men's basketball won the offseason, and that should lead to substantial success this season under Eric Musselman",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}