USC Basketball: Projected starting lineup, depth chart for 2023-24 season

USC Basketball: Projected starting lineup and depth chart for 2023-24 season

Mar 17, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; USC Trojans forward Kobe Johnson (0) reacts to hitting a shot in front of Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) during the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ncaa Men S Basketball Tournament /

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Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Small Forward/Wing

Starter – Bronny James/Kobe Johnson (30 mpg)

Kobe Johnson returns for the USC Trojans giving them some versatility at the small forward spot. With Bronny James potentially out, they’ll put Johnson at the small forward/wing spot. There’s potential for a three-guard rotation with James in the fold. Johnson has shown his growth on the perimeter after shooting 36 percent from behind the arc this past season while averaging 9.2 ppg,

5.0 rpg, 2.6 apg and 2.2 spg across 33 appearances (29 starts). He was a Pac-12 All-Defense selection while finishing second in steals (72) in the conference and 19th across all of college basketball and 10th in defensive rating (95.0). He’s a solid two-way presence for the Trojans to rely on that should continue to develop in the conference.

Bench – Brandon Gardner (10 mpg), D.J. Rodman

Brandon Gardner should be able to hold down the backup small forward spot, though it’s dependent on Bronny James’ status in the rotation to begin the season. Johnson serves as a wild card for their rotation given his size at 6-foot-5 and 170 pounds and skillset as a playmaker.

Johnson could potentially move to the shooting guard role or James could end up coming off the bench and replace Gardner at the backup spot. If they have to go down to their third small forward/wing, D.J. Rodman should see the minutes.

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