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USC Basketball: What to expect from the 2017 recruiting class

By Stuart Gill

Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; USC Trojans head coach Andy Enfield looks on during the first half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; USC Trojans head coach Andy Enfield looks on during the first half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward Chuck O’Bannon Jr. (21) poses for a photo during the 2017 McDonalds All American Game Portrait Day at Chicago Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds High School All-American forward Chuck O’Bannon Jr. (21) poses for a photo during the 2017 McDonalds All American Game Portrait Day at Chicago Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Charles O’Bannon Jr

The Trojans’ most talented recruit is Charles O’Bannon Jr of Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bishop Gorman product is a consistent shooter who is also not afraid to initiate contact on his way to the rim. His size allows him to hit contested shots and excel defensively. As a senior, he averaged over 21 points and eight rebounds and helped Bishop Gorman win the 4A Nevada state title.

He is the first McDonalds All-American to attend USC in nearly a decade, choosing Southern Cal over UCLA (where his father and uncle each played), Texas and others.

USC isn’t a program with a glaring need at guard. They are returning all eight of their top scorers from a year ago, an accomplishment that is especially valuable in an era where the numbers of one-and-dones and transfers are on the rise. In fact, USC is losing just 3.5% of their scoring this off-season due to the departures of Charles Buggs and Samer Dhillon. With so many promising players sticking around, it may be hard to see exactly where and how O’Bannon will fit in on this team.

USC’s will benefit from O’Bannon though. It would seem unlikely that O’Bannon takes court time from senior Guards Jordan McGlaughlin and Elijah Stewart, but, last year, freshmen De’Anthony Melton and Jonah Matthews earned solid minutes. They are only one year ahead of O’Bannon. If he can outplay them come November, he will have a great shot to earn around 20-25 minutes per game.

He is one of the best young scorers in the nation, and if he’s able to crack the starting lineup or earn big minutes USC will become even more dangerous.

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