USC basketball adds center Gabe Dynes from Youngstown State

It's pretty clear what USC basketball wanted to address via the portal this offseason, and head coach Eric Musselman secured another addition to the Trojans. With frontcourt depth now looking secured, the team's second year in the Big Ten should be able to match the bigs in the conference. Particularly in the BIG, a roster can't have too many players who can play at forward or center.

Connor Morrissette from USCFootball.com of 247Sports initially reported the news of Gabe Dynes making the move from Youngstown State to USC. As a sophomore, the center played in 34 games and averaged 21.8 minutes per contest. He averaged 6.8 points per game and 5.8 rebounds per game with the Penguins.

Dynes did have four double-doubles during the 2024-2025 season. He also had seven games in which he recorded five or more blocks. At 7'3" and 225 lbs., the transfer student has shown enough for coach Musselman to confidently bring him to campus and be able to expect him to immediately contribute.

Watching him play, Dynes does an excellent job of using his size and finding ways down low to give himself high-percentage looks. On a number of in-bounds plays, he could be seen on the receiving end of many alley-oops from the baseline. In the half-court as well, he moves well without the ball and shows hands for his teammates to have an easy time finding him and setting him up for an easy basket near the rim.

Good addition for USC basketball

Being as tall as he is, of course, is an advantage. Dynes is also deceptively quick. This is what allowed his former coach to draw up plays and for him to come around screens to generate easy offense. Then, staying calm, he usually makes an easy time of getting around opposing defenders and making his impact felt.

Between the pieces who will be returning and the latest portal additions, including Dynes, USC basketball will look to make an increased push during conference play this upcoming season. Coach Musselman has a good nucleus to work with, and this should be a competitive team. Acquiring the former Youngstown State player is a move that the Trojans' fanbase will enjoy, particularly during the heat of the upcoming Big Ten schedule.