10 Best USC Basketball Players of All Time

#10: O.J. Mayo (2007-2008)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 210 lbs

O.J. Mayo had a highly anticipated and impactful single season at USC as one of the most highly recruited freshmen in the program’s history. Mayo averaged 20.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility in his one-and-done season. 

He earned First Team All-Pac-10 honors and helped lead the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament. Mayo’s standout performances and high-profile presence brought significant attention to the USC basketball program during his tenure. Following his successful college season, Mayo declared for the NBA Draft and was selected third overall in 2008, going on to have a productive professional career.

9: Sam Clancy (1998-2002)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 240 lbs

Sam Clancy was a dominant force for USC, known for his scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking abilities. Over his four-year career with the Trojans, Clancy averaged 15.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. 

He was a key player in leading USC to the Elite Eight in the 2001 NCAA Tournament, one of the best performances in the program’s history. Clancy was named the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2002 and left a lasting legacy as one of the most versatile and hardworking players in USC basketball history.

#8: Taj Gibson (2006-2009)

• Position: Power Forward / Center
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 225 lbs

Taj Gibson was a standout player for USC, known for his defensive presence, shot-blocking, and rebounding skills. During his three seasons with the Trojans, Gibson averaged 12.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. 

He was named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 and played a crucial role in leading USC to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Gibson’s tenacity and work ethic on the court made him a fan favorite and a key contributor to the team’s success. After his college career, Gibson went on to have a long and successful career in the NBA.

#7: Nick Young (2004-2007)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 210 lbs

Nick Young, known for his scoring ability and flair, had an impressive career at USC. Over his three seasons with the Trojans, Young averaged 15.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He was named First Team All-Pac-10 in both 2006 and 2007. 

Young’s dynamic offensive game and charismatic personality made him a standout player and a leader for USC. His performances helped the Trojans reach the NCAA Tournament in consecutive years. Following his successful college career, Young was drafted in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft and went on to have a productive career in the NBA winning an NBA title in 2018 with the Golden State Warriors. 

#6: Brian Scalabrine (1998-2001)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 241 lbs

Brian Scalabrine was a key player for USC during his time with the Trojans, known for his versatility, scoring, and leadership. Scalabrine averaged 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game over his three-year college career. 

He played a crucial role in leading USC to the Elite Eight in the 2001 NCAA Tournament, one of the program’s most successful runs. Scalabrine was named to the All-Pac-10 First Team in 2001 and earned a reputation as a hardworking and reliable player. 

After his time at USC, Scalabrine enjoyed a long career in the NBA, where he became a fan favorite, earning the nickname “The White Mamba,” a play off of Kobe Bryant’s nickname “The Black Mamba.” 

#5: Gus Williams (1972-1975)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 175 lbs

Gus Williams was a dynamic and explosive point guard for USC, known for his scoring and playmaking abilities. During his college career, Williams averaged 17.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game. 

He was named to the All-Pac-8 First Team twice and helped lead the Trojans to significant success. Williams’ speed and agility made him a tough matchup for any opponent. After his time at USC, he went on to have an illustrious NBA career, including two All-Star appearances and an NBA championship with the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979.

#4: DeMar DeRozan (2008-2009)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’6″, 220 lbs

DeMar DeRozan had a standout single season at USC, showcasing his athleticism and scoring ability. During his freshman year, DeRozan averaged 13.9 points and 5.7 rebounds per game, leading the Trojans to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. 

He earned Pac-10 All-Freshman Team honors and quickly became one of the most exciting players to watch. DeRozan declared for the NBA Draft after his freshman year and was selected ninth overall in 2009. He has since become a multiple-time NBA All-Star and one of the premier scorers in the league.

#3: Harold Miner (1989-1992)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 210 lbs

Harold Miner, often referred to as “Baby Jordan” due to his dunking prowess, was a prolific scorer for USC. Miner averaged 23.5 points per game over his three-year college career, making him one of the top scorers in school history. 

He was named the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1992 and earned All-American honors. Miner’s explosive athleticism and scoring ability brought national attention to the USC program. He declared for the NBA Draft in 1992 and was selected 12th overall by the Miami Heat.

#2: Paul Westphal (1969-1972)

• Position: Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 195 lbs

Paul Westphal was an exceptional player for USC, known for his scoring, leadership, and versatility. Over his college career, Westphal averaged 16.4 points per game and was a key player in leading the Trojans to one of their best seasons in history. He was named an All-American and earned All-Pac-8 honors multiple times. 

Westphal’s basketball IQ and skill set made him a standout player. After his successful college career, he was selected 10th overall in the 1972 NBA Draft and went on to have a Hall of Fame career, including five NBA All-Star selections and an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics.

#1: Bill Sharman (1946-1950)

• Position: Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 175 lbs

Bill Sharman is widely regarded as the best basketball player in USC history. During his time with the Trojans, Sharman was known for his scoring ability, shooting accuracy, and leadership on the court. 

He was a two-time All-American and led USC to multiple successful seasons. Sharman averaged 22.0 points per game in his senior year and was a dominant force in college basketball. 

After his time at USC, Sharman went on to have a legendary professional career, playing for the Washington Capitols and the Boston Celtics. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and a four-time NBA champion as a player. Sharman’s contributions to the game and his success at every level make him a true basketball icon.