USC has added its first member of the 2027 class, landing Josh Rivera, a 6-foot-7, 185-pound forward from White Plains, N.Y., the program announced Thursday.
Head coach Eric Musselman praised Rivera’s shooting, size and flexibility in a statement announcing the signing. “We are excited to welcome Josh Rivera to our USC Trojan Family,” Musselman said.
“Josh comes from a winning background at both the high school and AAU levels. He has been coached by some incredible coaches.
Josh is a phenomenal three-point shooter who brings great length to our USC program. He also brings us positional versatility and can guard multiple positions.
Our coaching staff cannot wait to coach Josh at USC.”
Rivera arrives with plenty of national recognition already attached to his name. ESPN lists him at No. 89 in its 2027 SCNEXT 100 and grades him as a four-star recruit, while 247 Sports also has him as a four-star prospect. He is ranked No. 2 in New York among 2027 recruits by ESPN and is considered a top-150 player by On3/Rivals and 247 Sports.
His path to USC includes a familiar connection. Rivera played at Archbishop Stepinac High School alongside current Trojan freshmen Adonis Ratliff and Darius Ratliff, and the school has built a reputation as one of the nation’s top basketball programs. Rivera helped the Crusaders capture three straight New York City Catholic League championships there.
Last season, he averaged 8.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, but the efficiency numbers are what really jump out: 56% shooting from the field and 53% from beyond the arc.
Rivera also turned heads earlier this year in Las Vegas at Border League, where he scored 27 points and went 7-for-10 from three to help the NY Crusaders knock off Prolific Prep (FL). He has also competed for NJ ShoreShots UAA and NY Renaissance on the EYBL circuit.
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