USC Hoops Weekly Breakdown: Rising Stars, Dominant Duos, and NBA Breakouts
It was a banner week for USC basketball-both on campus and in the pros. The Trojans went a perfect 4-0 across their men’s and women’s programs, and a couple of former standouts made serious noise in the NBA. From clutch performances to breakout games, USC-affiliated hoops were firing on all cylinders.
Here’s a deep dive into the top Trojan performances of the week, from Galen Center to the NBA hardwood:
Jazzy Davidson: The Engine Behind USC Women’s Hoops
Jazzy Davidson is playing like a veteran, not a newcomer. The freshman phenom led the Trojans to back-to-back wins this week, and she did it with authority. Against the Wildcats on Thursday, Davidson dropped 21 points, dished out 6 assists, and added 2 steals-showcasing her all-around game and her ability to control the tempo.
But she wasn’t done.
On Sunday, she took it up another notch with a 27-point explosion, nearly notching a triple-double with 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Davidson continues to be the tone-setter for this squad, and her fingerprints are all over USC’s current four-game winning streak. Her poise, playmaking, and scoring touch are making her one of the most impactful players in the Pac-12 right now.
Kennedy Smith: The Perfect Complement
While Davidson continues to dazzle, Kennedy Smith is right there with her, forming one of the most dynamic duos in women’s college basketball. Smith was dominant on the glass and efficient with her scoring all week long.
She posted a 17-point, 11-rebound double-double against the Wildcats, then followed it up with a 20-point performance against the Fighting Illini, adding 7 boards, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Smith’s versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes her the perfect counterbalance to Davidson’s perimeter brilliance. Together, they’re a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Alijah Arenas: The Freshman Finds His Footing
Alijah Arenas had his true breakout moment this week-and he did it in style. The freshman guard looked every bit the future star USC hoped for, starting with a 29-point performance in a win over Indiana. He was aggressive, confident, and efficient, showing flashes of the high-ceiling scorer he’s projected to be.
But it was his performance against Penn State that really turned heads. Arenas hit clutch shot after clutch shot, including the game-winner that sealed a hard-fought win. He finished with 24 points, 2 steals, and 2 blocks-a complete game on both ends of the floor.
The game is slowing down for him, and that’s a scary thought for the rest of the conference. Arenas is starting to look like the guy for USC men’s hoops.
Kam Woods: Doing the Dirty Work-and Then Some
Kam Woods may not have had the spotlight, but he was critical in both of USC’s wins this week. Against Indiana, Woods poured in 18 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and added 2 steals. He was aggressive off the dribble and brought much-needed energy on both ends.
Then came his all-around masterpiece against Penn State: 13 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Woods showed his full skill set-playmaking, defense, rebounding, and leadership. He’s proving to be far more than just a scorer, and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways has been a major boost for the Trojans.
Isaiah Collier: Mr. 48 Minutes
Isaiah Collier is redefining what it means to be a workhorse in today’s NBA. While the league continues to wrestle with load management, Collier is going full throttle-and thriving. He played all 48 minutes in two games this past week, and his production was off the charts.
In the first of those marathon outings, Collier dished out a career-high 22 assists to go along with 17 points. He followed that up with a 25-point, 11-assist performance, and closed the week with 20 points and 10 assists. That’s three straight double-doubles and a clear sign that Collier is becoming a consistent playmaker and scoring threat.
Once seen as a rotation piece, Collier is now trending toward being a foundational player-someone who can run an offense, make others better, and still get his own when needed.
Kevin Porter Jr.: Back and Balling
Kevin Porter Jr. made his return from injury this week, and he wasted no time making an impact. In his first game back, he dropped 18 points, handed out 9 assists, and swiped 5 steals-showing both his offensive creativity and defensive instincts.
Then, in his second game, he looked fully back in rhythm, scoring 23 points with 8 assists and 3 steals. Porter Jr. continues to be one of the Bucks’ most productive players, especially in games where Giannis isn’t on the floor. If the franchise is forced to think about a future without their superstar, Porter Jr. is quietly making a case to be part of that long-term core.
Final Word
From rising college stars to emerging NBA talents, USC’s basketball pipeline is thriving. Jazzy Davidson and Kennedy Smith are leading a women’s team on the rise, Alijah Arenas is blossoming into a go-to guy, and Isaiah Collier and Kevin Porter Jr. are proving that Trojan talent translates at the next level.
If this past week is any indication, the future of USC hoops-on both the men’s and women’s sides-is in very good hands.