How Lindsay Gottlieb at USC Built a Strong Team Through the Transfer Portal
USC Teams Face Tough NCAA Tournament Outcomes as Offseason Management Begins
As the spring sports season approaches its conclusion at the University of Southern California, three Trojan teams faced disappointing exits from the NCAA tournament over the weekend. The women’s beach volleyball team suffered a decisive defeat, falling 3-0 to No. 5 Florida State in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the men’s volleyball team was eliminated in the second round by No. 3 Hawaii, and the men’s tennis team was shut out 4-0 by No. 9 Oklahoma.
Despite the recent setbacks, there is considerable optimism surrounding USC athletics, particularly for the upcoming year. Lincoln Riley’s football program, as well as the men’s and women’s basketball programs, are gearing up for pivotal seasons. Eric Musselman, entering his third year as the men’s basketball coach, has yet to secure a tournament invite but now boasts a highly talented roster. Similarly, the women’s basketball team appears poised for success, featuring an influx of star players.
This offseason marks a significant shift for women’s basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb. Last year, she struggled to assemble a competitive team after JuJu Watkins’ knee injury derailed the Trojans’ championship aspirations, resulting in a tumultuous season. Two promising guards, Avery Howell and Kayleigh Heckel, departed the program, leaving the team in a challenging position.
In contrast, with Watkins returning to full health this summer and the addition of three five-star recruits, Gottlieb finds herself with a much stronger roster. Watkins is anticipated to reclaim her status as a dominant force in women’s college basketball, while Jazzy Davidson, the previous year’s national freshman of the year, and 2026 top recruit Saniyah Hall present formidable assets.
“When we looked into the transfer portal, we were more selective,” Gottlieb explained. “We wanted players who fit our existing talent. It was important to find individuals who understand their role in the pursuit of a national championship.”
To bolster her roster, Gottlieb targeted 6-foot-6 center Pania Davis, a former Florida State player known for her defensive capabilities. “The way she moves is exciting,” Gottlieb noted. Additionally, she recruited guard Ryann Bennett from UC Davis, whose experience and skills align well with USC’s needs.
While USC may still add another player or two, Gottlieb emphasizes the importance of maintaining team chemistry with a roster loaded with talent. She dismisses concerns about managing playing time for star players, stating, “There’s one ball for South Carolina, one for LSU, and one for UCLA. We need to prioritize winning while allowing individual skills to shine.”
USC Water Polo Celebrates National Title
The USC women’s water polo team, under the leadership of coach Casey Moon, recently celebrated its seventh national title. Moon attributed the team’s success to an emphasis on joy and camaraderie, a shift from a difficult inaugural season in which the Trojans faced early elimination. “Joy is a key aspect of our success,” Moon said.
Goalkeeper Anna King highlighted the team’s lighthearted approach, saying, “We keep it light with constant jokes.” Senior attacker Maggie Johnson recalled a memorable moment during the championship game against California when the team was captured dancing during a timeout, illustrating their collective spirit.
Quick Takes
- The NCAA is considering significant changes to its eligibility rules, potentially allowing athletes five years to compete without the complexities of “redshirts” or waivers. NCAA President Charlie Baker expressed optimism about the upcoming vote on these changes.
- The Big Ten distributed a record $1.7 billion for the 2024-25 season, a substantial increase attributed to the addition of USC, UCLA, Washington, and Oregon. USC alone is projected to receive between $76 million and $80 million, nearly tripling its previous earnings in the Pac-12.
- Zaire Turner, a key member of USC’s football recruiting operations, is leaving to join Southern Methodist University after contributing to the Trojans’ top-ranked recruiting class last year.
- USC baseball has continued its strong performance with a second consecutive sweep in the Big Ten, positioning the team for its best regular season in 25 years.
- USC women’s golf also made headlines, capturing the Big Ten title with sophomore Jasmine Koo winning the individual conference championship, adding to her impressive record.
Upcoming Viewing
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Noteworthy News
In case you missed it, reports indicate that the NCAA basketball tournaments are set to expand to 76 teams in the near future.
