USC’s backcourt just took a major hit - and it's one that could reshape the rest of the Trojans' season.
The team announced Wednesday that standout point guard Rodney Rice will miss the remainder of the year due to a shoulder injury that now requires surgery. It’s a tough blow for a USC squad that had high expectations with Rice running the show.
Rice first injured the shoulder during offseason practices, forcing him to miss both of USC’s exhibition games. He returned in time for the season opener against Cal Poly and played in six games total - but it was clear from the jump that he was going to be a difference-maker.
And he was.
In those six games, Rice averaged 20.3 points, 6.0 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest - leading the team in scoring and operating as the engine of the offense. His performance against Illinois State was a statement: 21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists - just the second triple-double in USC program history. That kind of production, that kind of command of the floor, was exactly what the Trojans were hoping for when they brought him in from Maryland.
Unfortunately, things took a turn at the Maui Invitational. Rice re-aggravated the shoulder in the semifinals, and while there was initial optimism about a possible return in January, the decision was ultimately made to shut him down and go the surgical route. Long-term health took priority - and rightfully so.
Rice had transferred to USC after playing a key role in Maryland’s Sweet 16 run last season. He came in as one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal - ranked No. 25 overall and the No. 6 shooting guard by 247Sports. USC moved him to point guard, and he adapted quickly, showing poise, vision, and scoring instincts that elevated the Trojans’ offense.
He came into this season with two years of eligibility remaining, and depending on how things play out with a potential medical redshirt, he could still have two more left. That’s a decision for down the road - but for now, USC has to figure out how to navigate the rest of the season without him.
The Trojans will look to a committee approach at the point guard spot. Jerry Easter, Jordan Marsh, and Chad Baker-Mazara are all expected to take on larger roles in Rice’s absence.
There’s also hope that five-star freshman Alijah Arenas - who tore his meniscus over the summer - could return in January. If he’s ready, his athleticism and scoring ability could inject some much-needed firepower into the backcourt.
But the injury news doesn’t stop with Rice.
Wing Amarion Dickerson is also sidelined, expected to miss three to four months with a hip injury suffered earlier this month against Oregon. That’s another key rotation piece gone for a team that’s now facing real questions about depth and continuity.
With three important players out, USC may explore adding help midseason as the semester wraps up. The timing could open the door for a new addition, but the challenge will be finding someone who can step in and contribute right away.
This isn’t the season USC envisioned when it brought in Rice and assembled what looked like a dynamic backcourt. But college basketball seasons are rarely linear. The Trojans still have talent, and if they can stay afloat while waiting on Arenas - and potentially make a move to bolster the roster - they’ll have a shot to remain competitive in the Pac-12.
Still, there’s no sugarcoating it: losing Rice is a gut punch. He was playing at an All-Conference level and giving USC a steady hand at the point. Now, the Trojans will have to regroup - and fast.