USC basketball has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. From legendary coaches to standout players, the program has had its fair share of memorable moments. In this article, we will take a look at some of the top moments in USC basketball history.
1939: USC wins first NCAA championship
The 1939 USC basketball team, coached by Sam Barry, won the first-ever NCAA championship. The team defeated the University of Chicago 44-20 in the championship game. The Trojans finished the season with a 20-3 record and were led by All-American forward Hank Luisetti.
1960: USC reaches Final Four
The 1960 USC basketball team, coached by Forrest Twogood, reached the Final Four for the first time in program history. The Trojans were led by All-American guard Jerry West, who averaged 26.6 points per game that season. USC lost to California in the national semifinals but defeated Saint Joseph’s in the third-place game.
1971: USC wins Pac-8 championship
The 1971 USC basketball team, coached by Bob Boyd, won the Pac-8 championship with a 12-2 conference record. The Trojans were led by All-American center Paul Westphal, who averaged 16.9 points and 7.6 rebounds per game that season. USC lost to UCLA in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.
1992: USC upsets No. 2 Arizona
The 1992 USC basketball team, coached by George Raveling, pulled off a major upset when they defeated No. 2 Arizona 86-82 in Tucson. The Trojans were led by senior guard Harold Miner, who scored 41 points in the game. The upset was one of the biggest in USC basketball history.
2001: USC reaches Elite Eight
The 2001 USC basketball team, coached by Henry Bibby, reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1954. The Trojans were led by All-American guard Brandon Granville, who averaged 14.4 points and 5.3 assists per game that season. USC lost to Duke in the Elite Eight.
2017: USC wins first NCAA tournament game since 2009
The 2017 USC basketball team, coached by Andy Enfield, won their first NCAA tournament game since 2009 when they defeated SMU in the first round. The Trojans were led by freshman guard De’Anthony Melton, who had 13 points, seven rebounds, and four steals in the game. USC lost to Baylor in the second round.
Conclusion
From NCAA championships to Final Four appearances, USC basketball has a storied history full of memorable moments. With talented coaches and players, the program has cemented its place in college basketball lore. USC fans can only hope for more unforgettable moments in the future.
