Eric Musselman has been named the new head coach of the Southern California men's basketball team, marking a significant move by the university's new athletic director, Jennifer Cohen. Musselman, who previously coached at Arkansas, will be taking over from Andy Enfield, who recently departed for SMU.
At 59 years old, Musselman brings a wealth of experience to the Trojans, having led the Razorbacks to three NCAA Tournament appearances, including two Elite Eight runs during his five-year tenure at Arkansas. His impressive track record also includes successful stints at Nevada, where he secured three Mountain West regular-season titles and guided the team to three NCAA Tournament berths.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Musselman stated, 'My family and I couldn’t be more excited for this incredible opportunity at USC. We will be committed to the development of our student-athletes and upholding the values that make the Trojan Family so special.'
USC's move from the Pac-12 Conference to the Big Ten next season adds another layer of significance to Musselman's appointment. Cohen praised Musselman's ability to build winning programs and emphasized his dedication to fostering a culture of excellence within the team.
Despite a challenging season at Arkansas, where the team posted a 16-17 record, Musselman's proven coaching acumen and leadership qualities make him a fitting choice to lead the Trojans into a new era. Cohen highlighted Musselman's qualities of heart, boldness, and resiliency, stating that he embodies the spirit of a Trojan and is poised to elevate the program to new heights.
As Musselman takes the reins at USC, he faces the task of revitalizing a team that finished 15-18 overall and tied for ninth in the Pac-12. With key players like Boogie Ellis and Kobe Johnson undergoing changes in eligibility and transfers, the roster is set for a significant transformation under Musselman's guidance.
With a strong coaching background that spans both collegiate and professional basketball, including coaching roles in the NBA, Musselman's appointment signals a new chapter for USC Men's Basketball. The upcoming season will be closely watched as the Trojans aim to bounce back from a challenging year and reestablish themselves as a force in collegiate basketball.
