What it means for USC basketball getting Chevez Goodwin back for another year

USC basketball will have forward Chevez Goodwin back for his extra year of eligibility in the 2021-22 season, ensuring the Trojans have a key veteran presence.

Can USC basketball go again in 2022? Chevez Goodwin is willing to stay to find out.

The senior forward announced his decision to return for his extra season of pandemic eligibility on Monday.

"If you look at my career, it’s like a great book, each chapter getting more and more interesting than the last one. But like any great story, everyone wonders how you’re going to finish it,
Goodwin said in a voiceover. "I’m gonna finish it the best way I know how, with a grand finale. So let’s run it back one more time.”

Chevez Goodwin sets USC basketball up with a veteran foundation

While averaging 14.9 minutes, Goodwin had 5.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He mostly saw the court when Evan Mobley needed a rest. He did everything USC asked of him in that role while flashing with 12 points in the regular-season finale against UCLA and putting up 10 points against Kansas in the Round of 32.

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Now that Mobley is off to the NBA, there will be an opportunity for Goodwin to go from rotational player to starter. If Isaiah Mobley also departs, his presence will make an even bigger difference towards covering their absence.

Goodwin won't fully make up for losing either Mobley, but his length and experience will be invaluable in the rebuilt front court. While sophomore Max Agbongpolo looks intriguing, 6-foot-10 freshman Boubacar Coulibaly is coming up through the ranks and ex-Big West Defensive Player of the Year Joshua Morgan will be eligible from his transfer, it would be a rather youthful forwards group without Goodwin.

Every veteran of the Elite Eight run who sticks around will carry the lessons from the tournament with them.

USC can expect Goodwin and guard Drew Peterson back but Isaiah Mobley and surprise tournament star Isaiah White still have a decision to make.Junior guard Noah Baumann has already opted to transfer away while Evan Mobley and Tahj Eaddy are going pro.