3 greatest memories for USC Basketball in 2022

USC Basketball admittedly did not have the best 2022. After having a 2021 for the ages, they showed up to 2022 ranked No. 7 in the country, after just finishing an Elite Eight run the previous year. They started the new 2021-2022 season 12-0, and things were looking up. Unfortunately, though, the squad went 13-6 to close out the rest of the regular season.

Then, after winning the first game of the conference tournament against Washington, they lost the next one in the Pac-12 semis. They ended up finishing as the No. 22 team in the country. They weren't the same team they were in 2021, but still had a chance to go on an NCAA Tournament run. It was painful when that run was cut short against Miami (or rather the referees) in March.

Then, when Vince Iwuchukwu suffered cardiac arrest in the offseason, it appeared that the chances to rebound in the new season as 2022 comes to a close were slim. Iwuchukwu was the No. 1 reason that the Trojans had the No. 7 recruiting class in the country in 2022 (all recruiting ratings and rankings in article are as of 247Sports).

The five-star center was going to be necessary for success this year. Sure enough, SC struggled to close out 2022--entering 2023 with an 11-3 record. That unfortunately includes a 13-point loss to Florida Gulf Coast at home. Through the mostly disappointing 2022, though, there most certainly were some great moments that did take place.

No. 3 greatest memory for USC Basketball in 2022: Beating Washington in Pac-12 Tournament

Again, USC Basketball did have success in the Pac-12 Tournament's quarterfinals. It was part of why SC ended up being ranked No. 22 in the country for the final AP Poll. It was their last win of the season. SC kept it close, only winning by four points (65-61), but got the job done via a 17-point performance from Boogie Ellis.

Ellis hit six of 10 shots that game, and three of five from deep. He added four rebounds, an assist, and a block too. Ellis showcased in that game that he had the chance to dominate the Pac-12 in that next season and compete for a First-Team All-Pac 12 selection. Sure enough, he chose to come back for a senior year, and is off to a good start.