USC Trojans land touted basketball prospect Trent Perry

ESPN 100 guard Trent Perry, one of California’s top basketball prospects, opted to stay home for college and announced his commitment to USC on Friday night.

Perry chose the Trojans over six finalists that included Stanford, Gonzaga, Oregon, Colorado and TCU.

“It’s close to home and the coaches really believe in me and my game,” Perry told ESPN. “The competition within the Big Ten is going to be great. I love that challenge. I think USC will not only make me a better player, but also a better person. I look forward to connecting with my teammates and one day with their great students “. “.

Perry took multiple official visits to USC, including one last spring. Throughout his recruitment, he developed a strong relationship with coach Andy Enfield.

“He’s calm and collected during games. He lets his players get over their mistakes and is there to correct them,” Perry said of Enfield. “He explained that I could be ‘the juice,’ meaning I have a great opportunity to be an impactful player in my hometown if I work hard. Representing my hometown excites me. I’ve lived in Los Angeles since seventh grade.”

Perry, a 6-foot-4 point guard from Harvard-Westlake High (California), is ranked No. 42 overall in the ESPN 100 for the 2024 class, and the No. 10 point guard.

In 23 games with Vegas Elite on the Nike EYBL circuit last spring and summer, Perry averaged 12.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.1 assists. He was impressive at the Nike Peach Jam in July, scoring at least 14 points in five of his last six games.

Perry is a cerebral point guard who is stable, solid and a great decision maker. He competes with a high basketball IQ, handling himself with confidence and control in tight spaces or in the open field. He knows when to move the ball, create for others, lead the team or make a scoring play. If he’s open, he can make shots or score. Perry’s leadership should also be an advantage for USC.

He is expected to help replace Isaiah Collier, the No. 1 recruit in the class of 2023 and arguably the top NBA prospect in college basketball this season. The Trojans are likely to lose Collier and all-conference guard Boogie Ellis, the team’s leading scorer last season.

“Trent Perry is a great person and a great winner,” Harvard-Westlake coach David Rebibo said.

The two helped lead the Wolverines to the CIF Open Division state championship last season.

Perry is the second commitment in the 2024 class for USC, joining a familiar face: ESPN 100 guard Liam Campbell (No. 76). The two players attended Harvard-Westlake together as freshmen.

“I know him and I trust him,” Perry said.