Women’s Basketball | November 01, 2024
Story Links
AFLAC OUI-PLAY GAME | PARIS, FRANCE
#3/3 USC vs. #20/21 Ole Miss
Adidas Arena | Paris, France | Monday, Nov. 4 | 9 a.m. PT
Series Record: FIRST MEETING
TV: ESPN (PxP: Ryan Ruocco | Analyst: Rebecca Lobo)
THIS WEEK
Ranked No. 3 in the nation, USC proudly holds its highest preseason AP ranking since 1984 as the Women of Troy embark on their 2024-25 season, fueled by ambitions following last year’s impressive NCAA Elite Eight appearance. Under the leadership of head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, now entering her fourth season, the Trojans will kick off their campaign in Paris, facing off against No. 20 Ole Miss in the highly anticipated Aflac Oui-Play Game at the Adidas Arena at 9 a.m. PT on Monday, November 4.
FOLLOW ALONG
Fans can catch USC’s Aflac Oui-Play game on ESPN, featuring commentary from seasoned duo Rebecca Lobo and Ryan Ruocco. For those looking to listen live, USC games are also available on ESPN Radio and can be streamed via USCTrojans.com/listen and the USC Trojans GameDay app, where Eli Kleinmann will provide coverage.
IN THE POLLS
USC proudly holds the No. 3 rank in the AP and USA Today Coaches preseason polls as the 2024-25 season unfolds. This ranking marks a significant historic moment for the Trojans, as it is their highest preseason position since 1984 when they began the season at No. 1 after clinching back-to-back national championships. Last season, USC concluded with a solid No. 5 ranking in the final AP poll.
QUICK HITS
• Achieving an impressive 29-6 overall last season, USC notched its most wins since the 1985-86 season under head coach Linda Sharp, who led the team to a 31-5 record.
• The Trojans celebrated their first No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament since 1986, underscoring the program’s resurgence.
• Last season’s journey to the NCAA Elite Eight was the program’s first in 30 years, signifying a major milestone.
• USC’s 23 regular-season victories last year highlighted their prowess, marking their most wins since the 1993-94 season.
• The Trojans made history by achieving a 10-0 start to the 2024 season, replicating a feat accomplished only once before in the 1983-84 and 1984-85 seasons.
WATCH THIS
Four standout Women of Troy are vying for top honors this season, with Kiki Iriafen, Rayah Marshall, Talia von Oelhoffen, and JuJu Watkins all securing spots on the 2024-25 Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Women’s College Player of the Year Watch List presented by AXIA Time. Notably, this marks a second consecutive Watch List appearance for returning Trojans Marshall and Watkins, while newcomers Iriafen and von Oelhoffen celebrate their inaugural selections.
A 6-3 forward and the 2024 Katrina McClain National Power Forward of the Year, Iriafen joins the USC squad as a grad transfer from Stanford. After being named an All-America Honorable Mention following a stellar junior year, she continues to elevate expectations having also secured a place on the 20-player 2025 Katrina McClain Power Forward of the Year Watch List.
Marshall, a 6-4 senior center/forward, enters her final season at USC with 996 career points and 35 double-doubles. This year, she is back on the Naismith Watch List after receiving All-Pac-12 Team honors her sophomore year and Honorable Mention status her junior year. Moreover, she was named to the NCAA Portland Region 3 All-Tournament Team for her pivotal role in USC’s Elite Eight return.
An All-Pac-12 Team selection previously at Oregon State, von Oelhoffen helped the Beavers make a run to the NCAA Elite Eight last season. Now, she embarks on her first season at USC, featuring on the Naismith Watch List and the Nancy Lieberman National Point Guard of the Year Award Watch List. The 5-11 guard averaged 10.7 points and 5.0 assists per game, while also earning 2024 Pac-12 Defensive Honorable Mention.
Watkins, a dynamic 6-2 guard, was awarded National Freshman of the Year, finishing as the No. 2 scorer in the nation with a remarkable 51-point game against Stanford, which set a USC single-season record. She enters her sophomore season with a spot on the AP Preseason All-America list and was a finalist for the Naismith Trophy last year, also securing the title of Ann Meyers Drysdale National Shooting Guard of the Year.
GOLDEN GIRLS
USC’s commitment to excellence continues with incoming freshmen Kayleigh Heckel and Kennedy Smith, both recognized as McDonald’s All-Americans. The duo recently helped Team USA secure gold at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup in Colombia, further cementing their status as rising stars in women’s basketball. They collectively contributed 31 points in the decisive gold-medal game, leading the U.S. to its 11th consecutive title with an 80-69 victory over Canada. Heckel, a 5-9 guard from Port Chester, N.Y., averaged 12.8 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.6 rebounds throughout the tournament. Smith, a 6-1 guard from Chino, Calif., was pivotal in the final match, scoring 18 points, including a key scoring burst that propelled the U.S. to victory.
BRING ON THE BIG TEN
As USC enters its inaugural season in the Big Ten Conference, it has garnered significant recognition by being selected as the No. 1 team in the Preseason Rankings. Additionally, JuJu Watkins has earned the distinguished title of Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year. Joining Watkins on the Preseason All-Big Ten Team is fellow Trojan Kiki Iriafen. The Women of Troy were ranked atop the Big Ten for the 2024-25 season, surpassing notable competitors such as No. 2 UCLA and No. 3 Ohio State, among others, all of whom were NCAA Tournament participants last season. Notably, USC made the deepest tournament run among this elite group.
NOTABLE:
– USC’s strong entry into the Big Ten includes a historical 27-23 all-time record against current Big Ten teams (excluding newer additions Oregon, UCLA, and Washington).
– The Trojans are set to face Illinois and Wisconsin for the first time in program history, showcasing the expanding competitive landscape of women’s basketball.
– The 2024-25 season will witness historic visits to Galen Center, welcoming teams like Illinois, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, and Penn State.
– Notably, USC will also be competing in Indiana, Iowa, Purdue, and Wisconsin for the first time, adding excitement to their schedule.
WE GOT GOTTLIEB
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb enters her fourth season at the forefront of a rapidly rising program, recently securing a contract extension through the 2029-30 season. Last season, Gottlieb orchestrated a historic campaign that reached the NCAA Elite Eight, earning herself recognition as a finalist for the Werner Ladder National Coach of the Year award. Under her guidance, USC clinched its second Pac-12 Tournament title and achieved its first No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament since 1986. With a remarkable 29-6 overall record, the Trojans experienced their most successful season since their 1985-86 campaign, which boasted a 31-5 record. Having started the 2024 NCAA Tournament ranked No. 3, USC finally celebrated its highest national ranking in nearly four decades.
WNBA DRAFT DOUBLE
Continuing their tradition of excellence, USC saw multiple Trojans selected in the WNBA Draft for the second consecutive year, with McKenzie Forbes heading to the Los Angeles Sparks and Kaitlyn Davis joining the New York Liberty. Drafted in the third round on April 15, Forbes and Davis were the 28th and 35th overall picks, respectively. Their success follows pivotal contributions to USC’s impressive run to the NCAA Elite Eight, marking a proud moment in the Trojan legacy, which now boasts 18 WNBA draftees. Notably, this continues a legacy that includes storied former players like Cynthia Cooper and Lisa Leslie, who were the inaugural selections in the league’s 1997 draft.
LAST SEASON
USC’s triumphant 2023-24 season culminated in the program’s first No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament since 1986, complemented by a notable run to the Elite Eight. With a final ranking of No. 3 nationally entering the NCAA Tournament, the Trojans achieved a significant milestone, marking their highest standing since 1986. Initially predicted to finish sixth in the Pac-12, USC surprised many by securing the second spot instead and ultimately became the Pac-12 Tournament runner-up. Celebrating a thrilling season with a 29-6 record, notable highlights included a packed crowd at Galen Center against UCLA, McKenzie Forbes’ recognition as the Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and JuJu Watkins setting a USC record with a phenomenal 51-point game against Stanford.
USC Women’s Basketball Roster
**Interview with Lindsay Gottlieb, Head Coach of USC Women’s Basketball**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Coach Gottlieb. Exciting times for USC Women’s Basketball as you prepare for the 2024-25 season. How are you feeling about the upcoming season, especially with your team ranked No. 3 nationally?
**Lindsay Gottlieb:** Thank you for having me! We are thrilled about the upcoming season. Being ranked No. 3 is a testament to the hard work and dedication our players have shown. But as exciting as it is, it’s just a starting point for us. Our focus is on continuing to build on last year’s success and aiming for even greater heights.
**Interviewer:** Your first game kicks off in Paris against Ole Miss. What do you hope your team takes away from this international experience?
**Lindsay Gottlieb:** Playing in Paris is a unique opportunity for our student-athletes. It’s not just about basketball; it’s a chance to experience a different culture and grow as individuals. We hope to bond as a team and enjoy the journey, which will ultimately help us develop our chemistry on the court.
**Interviewer:** This is also USC’s inaugural season in the Big Ten, where you’ve been ranked No. 1 in the Preseason Poll. How do you think this change in conference will affect your team’s dynamics?
**Lindsay Gottlieb:** Transitioning to the Big Ten presents exciting challenges for us. The competition is fierce, and every team brings something different to the table. This new environment will test our resilience and adaptability. We are ready for the challenge, and I believe it will push us to elevate our game.
**Interviewer:** Several players, including JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen, are on individual watch lists. How do you cultivate such talent within the program?
**Lindsay Gottlieb:** Talent is indeed a key factor, but it’s the hard work, discipline, and team-first mentality that help those individuals shine. We focus on creating an environment where every player can thrive and support one another. I’m incredibly proud of our team’s dedication, and it’s rewarding to see our players recognized for their efforts.
**Interviewer:** Given last season’s successes, including reaching the NCAA Elite Eight, how do you plan to build on that momentum?
**Lindsay Gottlieb:** Momentum can be a powerful force in sports. We’re focusing on consistency, both in our play and our mindset. We’ve set specific goals for ourselves, both individually and as a team. It’s about maintaining that competitive edge and pushing each other to improve every day.
**Interviewer:** What are your thoughts on the historical aspect of your upcoming matches against teams like Illinois and Wisconsin for the first time?
**Lindsay Gottlieb:** It’s exhilarating. Establishing new rivalries and expanding our program’s accomplishments means a lot. Each game is an opportunity to create lasting memories and further solidify USC’s legacy in women’s basketball. We’re looking forward to these matchups and the competitive spirit they’ll bring.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Gottlieb, for your insights. Best of luck with the upcoming season!
**Lindsay Gottlieb:** Thank you! We appreciate the support and can’t wait to get started! Go Trojans!
