USC basketball just wrapped up a statement week - and it wasn’t just about the wins. Both the men’s and women’s squads went 2-0, with three of those victories coming on the road. That’s the kind of momentum programs love to build this time of year, especially when it’s being driven by freshmen.
The Big Ten took notice. On Monday, USC swept the conference’s Freshman of the Week honors: Alijah Arenas for the men and Jazzy Davidson for the women. It’s a rare and impressive double-dip that speaks volumes about the next generation of Trojan talent.
Let’s start with Arenas. The freshman guard is only five games into his college career, but he’s already playing like a seasoned vet.
Last Tuesday, he dropped 29 points on Indiana - a performance that turned heads well beyond the Pac-12 footprint. Then, just days later, he delivered a cold-blooded game-winner with under a second left to lift USC over Penn State.
That’s not just talent - that’s poise, confidence, and a knack for the moment.
On the women’s side, Davidson continues to build what’s shaping up to be one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in the country. She’s now earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors five times this season, and this latest nod marks her second straight. Last week, she poured in 20-plus points in both of USC’s wins, once again showing why she’s quickly becoming the engine of the Women of Troy’s offense.
What makes these performances even more critical is the context. Both USC squads have been hit hard by injuries to key veterans, forcing younger players into bigger roles earlier than expected. But instead of just holding the line, Arenas and Davidson are pushing the Trojans forward - not just filling gaps, but leading the charge.
As the regular season heads into the home stretch, USC will need these two freshmen to keep rising. If they do, both teams could be dangerous come March.