The USC Trojans have made it to the top 20 in the USA TODAY Sports men’s college basketball poll this week. Initially positioned at No. 22 in the preseason edition, the Trojans have advanced two spots after defeating Kansas State and Cal State Bakersfield this past week. This season, USC has shown a promising start, with standout performances from Isaiah Collier and Boogie Ellis. However, Kobe Johnson sustained an injury following the opener against Kansas State, causing him to miss the Bakersfield game. The team is also eagerly awaiting the return of Vince Iwuchukwu, who missed both the Pac-12 and NCAA Tournaments due to back problems last season. Additionally, USC is hopeful for the return of Bronny James, who suffered cardiac arrest in July. While the timetable for his return is uncertain, Bronny is expected to undergo a medical checkup later in November to determine his clearance for basketball activity and play.
Other notable teams included in the poll are Kansas, Kentucky, Purdue, Arizona, Duke, Michigan State, Houston, Creighton, Baylor, Arkansas, Gonzaga, Florida Atlantic, Miami, Texas A&M, Texas, North Carolina, Michigan State, Alabama, and Saint Mary’s, among others.
Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.