The college basketball offseason sometimes feels like a whirlwind. There has been no shortage of movement in recent months, either through the coaching carousel or the transfer portal, affecting players and programs across the nation. Kezza Giffa was a major part of Alan Huss’s breakthrough at High Point, but Huss left the program and Giffa has now found a new home in the Big Ten.
A 6-2 shooting guard from Paris, Giffa wasn’t exactly a highly-regarded international prospect, opting for UTEP for his freshman season. His production was exceedingly minor, scoring just 9 points the entire season as a backup player, leading him to spend his sophomore year at the JUCO level. However, Giffa clearly found a great landing spot at High Point these last two years.
USC lands High Point transfer Kezza Giffa
As a junior, Giffa averaged 16.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while making 34% of his 3-pointers during a 27-win campaign for High Point. Giffa was a major part of the equation in Huss’s new system and really showed out, including a 37-point performance at Winthrop and a 32-point game in a tough conference tournament loss to Longwood.
Giffa was back for his second run with the Panthers and earned First Team All-Big South honors in a second straight season. He was one of the best free throw shooters in the history of the Big South, making 87% in his two seasons while leading the conference in total free throws made each year. His total numbers took a slight step back as a senior, but he was now a full-time starter in that backcourt and helped lead High Point to their first NCAA Tournament.
Clearly Giffa is a highly productive offensive weapon. He’s not someone who’s going to light it up from beyond the arc with consistency, but he creates shots and he’s lethal when you put him on the charity stripe. Giffa isn’t someone who’s going to spearhead the scoring for a power conference program, but he becomes the latest addition in what’s an embarrassment of riches for USC.
Eric Musselman has spent the last decade building his legacy as an incredible recruiter, utilizing the transfer portal to perfection at Nevada and Arkansas. His work these last few months with USC has the Trojans set up for a step forward in his second season. Giffa becomes the latest major name in a class that already includes Chad Baker-Mazara, Rodney Rice, and a plethora of other talent.
Nobody knows how Giffa will handle the transition from Big South to Big Ten and it would be unrealistic to expect that same level of production on a much more talented roster. With that being said, he’s still a fantastic weapon that Musselman and his staff are elated to have in Los Angeles, especially in those late game situations where the Trojans will need a bucket or clutch free throw shooting. What kind of role do you think Giffa will have on this team?