Instead of declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft, three players decided to return to USC men’s basketball for the 2026-27 season.
Rising sophomore guard Alijah Arenas and junior forward Jacob Cofie both entered as early entry candidates for the NBA Draft. Cofie participated in the G League Combine in May and was one of six prospects to earn an invitation to the NBA Combine in Chicago.
Arenas did not participate in either combine. Both Arenas and Cofie ultimately withdrew their names from the draft before the May 27 deadline. Therefore, both players will keep their NCAA eligibility.
Arenas, Cofie and rising senior guard Rodney Rice will all be returning to USC next season. Rice was also projected to enter the NBA Draft but he decided to stay with the Trojans for his senior season.
Former USC center Gabe Dynes also entered the draft as an early candidate and withdrew his name. But he will not return to USC and instead transferred to Louisville.
Rising sophomore guard Alijah Arenas and junior forward Jacob Cofie both entered as early entry candidates for the NBA Draft. Cofie participated in the G League Combine in May and was one of six prospects to earn an invitation to the NBA Combine in Chicago.
Arenas did not participate in either combine. Both Arenas and Cofie ultimately withdrew their names from the draft before the May 27 deadline. Therefore, both players will keep their NCAA eligibility.
Arenas, Cofie and rising senior guard Rodney Rice will all be returning to USC next season. Rice was also projected to enter the NBA Draft but he decided to stay with the Trojans for his senior season.
Former USC center Gabe Dynes also entered the draft as an early candidate and withdrew his name. But he will not return to USC and instead transferred to Louisville.
5 months ago
