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Three Trojans Reveals Why They Picked USC Instead of NBA Draft
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- Three Trojans Reveals Why They Picked USC Instead of NBA Draft
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.
Feb 8, 2026; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Southern California Trojans forward Jacob Cofie (6) drives the ball towards the basket as Penn State Nittany Lions guard Kayden Mingo (4) and guard Dominick Stewart (7) defend during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images
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.
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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.
Why Is the Trojan Trio Returning?
All three players feel like they have unfinished business at USC.
Rodney Rice, Jacob Cofie and Alijah Arenas returned for 3 different reasons, but they're all united in 1 goal – lead us deep into March ✌️ pic.twitter.com/V79h6UmLrg
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) June 6, 2026
Arenas and Rice both suffered injuries that sidelined them for significant time during the 2025-26 season.
Arenas was a top prospect coming out of high school but then a car crash and torn meniscus delayed his collegiate debut until January. He also sustained a sprained ankle in February and only played in 14 games during the season.
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Meanwhile, Rice only played in six games before suffering a right shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery in December. Returning to USC next season will give Arenas and Rice a chance to redeem themselves after struggling with injuries last season.
For Cofie, returning to USC will allow him to increase his draft stock before beginning his NBA career. Cofie wants to be a first-round pick in the 2027 NBA Draft.
One common goal for all three players is to lead USC through a deep run in March Madness and ultimately to a national championship.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The post Three Trojans Reveals Why They Picked USC Instead of NBA Draft appeared first on LA Sports Report .
