Dipping once more into the transfer portal, USC men’s basketball coach Eric Musselman might have scooped up a steal.
Former Colgate point guard Jalen Cox, who starred last season in the Patriot League, will try to make a similar impact on a far bigger stage after committing to the Trojans on Wednesday.
Cox announced his decision on Instagram, posting an image of himself in a USC jersey in front of a palm tree alongside a caption reading “THE PLACE TO BE” — with the “LA” in supersized letters.
The 6-foot-3 Cox, who has one season of remaining eligibility, was an All-Patriot League first-team selection last season after averaging 17.9 points, 5.3 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals. His assist average led the league.
Cox also made a respectable 36.5% of his 3-pointers and brings additional upside as a two-time member of the Patriot League’s all-defensive team.
A native of Los Angeles who attended Loyola High, Cox shouldn’t need much acclimatization to a new environment with a familiar feel.
He’ll join fellow transfer guard K.J. Lewis and returner Rodney Rice as part of an intriguing backcourt combination. Earlier this week, the Trojans added transfer Eric Reibe after the 7-1 center spent his first college season at UConn.
USC also recently announced the return of forward Jacob Cofie. The team is waiting to learn whether guard Alijah Arenas will return or head to the NBA after showing significant promise during his half season after being cleared from a knee injury in late January.
The Trojans’ frontcourt appears set with Reibe and Cofie in addition to incoming freshman 7-footers Adonis and Darius Ratliff plus freshman forward Christian Collins. The team could use another wing player and one or two more guards.
