Kara Dunn channeled her inner JuJu Watkins this past week, stepping into the spotlight and reminding everyone that USC women’s basketball has more than one star in its arsenal. Meanwhile, Jordan Marsh delivered a spark off the bench for the men’s team, and several Trojan alums made their presence felt in the NBA. Let’s break down the top USC performers from the past week-on campus and in the pros.
Women’s Basketball - Kara Dunn
Replacing a phenom like JuJu Watkins is no easy task, but Kara Dunn didn’t just step up-she took over. In USC’s emphatic win over Purdue, Dunn poured in 29 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, helping the Trojans snap a four-game losing streak in style. She was in full control, attacking the rim, hitting shots, and setting the tone on both ends of the floor.
Even in the game before that-another tough loss-Dunn was the engine, finishing with 21 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists. That kind of consistency speaks volumes.
She’s not just filling a void; she’s carving out her own identity as a go-to player. USC’s roster is deep, and Dunn’s emergence only strengthens the case that this team has the pieces to make serious noise down the stretch.
Men’s Basketball - Jordan Marsh
Jordan Marsh gave USC a huge lift off the bench last Tuesday, showing exactly why he was such a valuable transfer addition. Marsh dropped 20 points, including four threes, and shot 50% from the field in a confident, composed performance.
What stood out wasn’t just the numbers-it was the timing. Marsh came in and immediately changed the game’s tempo, bringing energy and shot-making when the Trojans needed it most.
He’s shown flashes before, but this was a complete performance that hinted at what he can bring when he’s fully locked in. If he keeps this up, he’ll be tough to keep off the floor.
NBA - Onyeka Okongwu
Onyeka Okongwu is stepping into a bigger role in Atlanta-and he’s making the most of it. With Trae Young sidelined, the Hawks are in the middle of an identity shift, and Okongwu is throwing his name into the hat as a foundational piece.
Last week, he posted back-to-back 20-point games, leading the team in scoring both times. And it wasn’t just dunks and post-ups-Okongwu showed off his range, hitting at least three triples in each of those games.
Add in his rebounding and defensive instincts-he had three steals in a 26-point outing on Thursday-and you’ve got a big man who’s not just producing, but evolving. He’s always been known for his hustle and motor, but now he’s showing he can be a two-way force.
NBA - Evan Mobley
Evan Mobley didn’t dominate the box score in a flashy way this week, but his impact was undeniable. He scored at least 15 points in all three games and delivered a signature moment with a game-winning dunk to take down the red-hot 76ers on Friday.
That wasn’t just a highlight-it was a statement. And Mobley backed it up with a complete performance: 17 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks.
That’s the kind of all-around game that reminds you why his ceiling is sky-high. Defensively, he was a force all week, recording at least three blocks in every game.
When Mobley is locked in like this, he changes the game on both ends-and gives Cleveland a legit anchor to build around.
NBA - Nikola Vučević
Nikola Vučević turned back the clock with a vintage performance, dropping 35 points in a win over the Utah Jazz. He wasn’t just scoring-he was doing it all, adding 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks in one of his most complete efforts of the season.
And he didn’t stop there. Vučević followed up with 19 and 17 points in his next two outings, continuing to be a steady offensive presence for Chicago.
The Bulls have had their ups and downs, but Vučević remains a critical piece. His ability to stretch the floor, facilitate from the post, and clean up the glass gives Chicago a level of offensive versatility they sorely need.
As long as he’s in the lineup, the Bulls have a shot to stay competitive.
NBA - De’Anthony Melton
De’Anthony Melton keeps proving that you don’t need to start to make a major impact. Coming off the bench for the Warriors, Melton delivered two standout performances this week-24 and 23 points, respectively-while shooting lights out from deep (3-for-6 and 4-for-6 from beyond the arc).
Melton has carved out a niche as one of the league’s most reliable 3-and-D role players, and this week was a perfect showcase of that skillset. He brings defensive toughness, floor spacing, and an ability to swing momentum with timely buckets. Not many reserves in the league consistently bring that kind of two-way punch, but Melton does-and he’s doing it on a team that values every possession.
From rising college stars to established NBA contributors, Trojans across the basketball world are making their presence felt. Whether it's Kara Dunn stepping into a leadership role, Jordan Marsh igniting the bench, or alums like Okongwu and Mobley showing their growth, USC basketball continues to leave its mark at every level.