USC secures commitment from Sacramento State transfer EJ Neal

The final addition to the USC men's basketball roster appears to be solidified for the 2025-2026 season. About to undergo their second year in the Big Ten, the Trojans went into the portal and addressed the areas that they felt needed to be. In terms of talent and overall fit, there is a lot to like about how this team is coming together.

First reported by ESPN's Jeff Borzello on X, EJ Neal will transfer from Sacramento State to USC. Already with a considerable amount of college game experience under his belt, Neal's other prior stops were at Idaho and City College of San Francisco.

At 6'5", Neal provides further backcourt size and length. His veteran status and considerable time as a starter provide coach Eric Musselman another option to turn to that he will be able to trust, particularly when conference play begins.

Neal does well off catch-and-shoot situations as well as flare-screen action to get himself on the scoresheet and be a consistent offensive threat. The Big Ten can often be about withstanding droughts and finding a way to produce instant offense during lulls.

Having someone who can also be the screener on an outright pick-and-roll play and then have the ability to stretch the defense is going to be something for coach Musselman to have in his arsenal, and it will help to mitigate times throughout the 40 minutes of play when the Trojans are struggling to produce on the offensive end.

Continued portal activity boosts USC for upcoming season

Long story short, a team can always use someone who can provide a reliable source of production. Expect to see plays drawn up by USC that feature Neal and possessions that have the guard featured at the point of attack.

For coach Musselman, after what looked like a potential area of concern at first regarding the portal, the USC head coach has once again shown his ability to bring in the needed player who fits what the Trojans are looking to accomplish.