Why five-star basketball recruit Trey McKenney will commit to USC over Michigan

On November 9, five-star combo guard Trey McKenney will announce his college decision. McKenney is one of the best men’s basketball players recruits in the country and has narrowed his decision to his final three schools: the USC Trojans, Georgetown Hoyas and Michigan Wolverines. Although McKenney is a Flint (MI.) native, there is a good chance the five-star recruit will choose the Trojans.

McKenney will share his final decision with 247Sports. McKenney is the No. 3 combo guard in the country and the No. 1 prospect in Michigan in the class of 2025. He is ranked as the No. 24 overall recruit in the country. McKenney has taken official visits to all three of his last schools and would be an important addition to USC’s basketball program.

McKenney had an official visit to USC on September 1. USC was a school in the running for McKenney even before the program’s coaching change. The coaching change delayed McKenney’s visit to the Trojans, but the USC coach Erik Musselman still gave McKenney an offer.

Before making his announcement, McKenney spoke to 247Sports about his top three schools. For McKenney, Musselman is one of the most important aspects of the USC Trojans that would influence his decision. Musselman’s connection to the NBA stands out to McKenney and will play a role in his decision.

“Coach Muss and his reputation in the NBA and his staff speaks for itself how much they care about bringing guys to the NBA. As a recruit you certainly want to hear that,” said McKenney.

Musselman has been a major factor in McKenney’s recruiting process. Before getting the USC job, Musselman coached the Arkansas Razorbacks. While coaching Arkansas, Musselman recruited McKenney to the Razorbacks.

“Coach Musselman recruited me while he was at Arkansas,” McKenney told On3. “He likes the way I play, how I can get everyone involved and still score and defend. I talked to him for a minute and he offered me again when he got to USC.

Coaching is still an important factor in McKenney’s recruitment. In April 2024, McKenney spoke in depth with On3 about what goes into his decision-making for his future.

“I’m going to look at the relationship I can build with the coach and the way people in the program treat me and my family,” McKenney said. “I want to go somewhere where I’ll be the center of the offense. I will look at the fit of the program, how I can develop as a person and as a player, both on and off the field.”

A new culture with a new coach could lure McKenney to the Trojans. The USC Trojans have a great chance to get the combo guard as Musselman has stayed in touch with McKenney. The communication and apparent interest in McKenney could lead to the Trojans landing a big five-star recruit.