High-scoring guard Bryce Pope transfers to USC basketball program

Eric Musselman and the USC basketball program picked up another important piece for the 2024-25 season on Friday. Bryce Pope, a 6-foot-3 guard from San Diego gave his pledge to play for the Trojans bringing some important offensive skills to L.A.

Playing for U.C. San Diego last season, Pope averaged 18.6 points per game and was a first-team All-Big West selection. He also averaged 3.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per contest.

Pope was one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal. In addition to USC, he had drawn offers from the likes of Texas, N.C. State, Creighton, Florida State, Louisville, UCLA, Arkansas, LSU, Seton Hall, Maryland, Stanford, California, Virginia Tech, Notre Dame, and many others.

Last season, Pope shot 41.8% from the floor and 33.2% from the 3-point line. Along the way, he had some big games. Among his 14 games of 20 or more points was a 32-point outburst against UC-Irvine and three 29-point showings.

Against major conference teams, he put up 15 points and six rebounds against Washington and he had 14 points and four rebounds against Cal. He also scored 15 points and had three rebounds against top mid-major program San Diego State.

Pope will be a super-senior in 2024-25. What's more, because of a redshirt season as a true freshman, he'll be in his sixth year of college hoops bringing some important age and experience to the USC roster.

In three of his seasons, he's averaged double digits in points. That includes topping 18 points per game each of the past two seasons.

It is clear that Musselman is trying to bring to L.A. the offense-first style of play that he had success with at Arkansas and Pope will help in that regard. Now, it will be interesting to see how the new USC head coach fills out the remainder of his first roster with the program.