USC men's basketball team powered by two great freshmen debuts - Trojans Wire
A lot of focus heading into the season for the USC Trojans men's basketball team was the development of guard Alijah Arenas. In Game 1, Arenas did thrive, scoring an efficient 21 points in the Trojans' win over Milwaukee. However, a big takeaway was how good the twin freshmen for USC were: Adonis and Darius Ratliff.
Adonis Ratliff was the leading scorer for USC in his debut as he posted 25 points, shooting 7-for-10 from the field and 5-for-7 from beyond the arc. Ratliff did not just light it up as a scorer; he also finished the game with 2 steals and 2 blocks. The game looked nothing but easy for him. He will provide the Trojans this season with an elite two-way scorer. Excitement should be through the roof with him.
The other twin, Darius Ratliff, was right behind him. Darius was also featured in the starting lineup in game 1 at the center position, and he dominated. The 7-foot big man dropped 14 points and cashed a 3-pointer on the night. The most impressive stat on the night was his 5 blocks. Both twins can score at a high level, but they will also propel the Trojans to being a force defensively this season.
The expectation was that this roster would be deep, but just like the football team at USC, it looks like the squad will be fueled by the play of its freshmen. Also helps that there is a great balance of maturity and veteran leadership on the team to elevate the young guys. Senior guard Rodney Rice dished out 9 assists, and senior KJ Lewis was solid off the bench.
The season could not have gotten off to a better start, and it looks like USC Trojans men's basketball will be a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten and the entire country this year.
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