BREAKING: USC guard Rodney Rice will undergo urgent surgery on his right shoulder, effectively sidelining him for the remainder of the season. The announcement came just moments ago from USC officials, confirming that Rice has been out of action since the Maui Invitational and has missed the last five games.
This news strikes a significant blow to the Trojans, as Rice has been a standout performer. Averaging 20.3 points and 6.0 assists in his first six games, he has been a key player for USC, leading the team during critical matchups earlier this season. Coach Eric Musselman expressed his concern, stating,
“Rodney is an instrumental part of our team. We will miss his energy on the court but know his leadership will still be crucial to our team’s success.”
Rice’s injury marks the second major setback for the Trojans, who also face the absence of Amarion Dickerson, expected to miss three to four months due to a hip injury. Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope for fans. Alijah Arenas, a five-star recruit and son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, is reportedly on track for a potential return in January after recovering from a knee injury sustained earlier this year.
USC currently boasts a record of 10-1 and is set to host UTSA (4-6) tonight. The team will need to rally in the absence of Rice as they look to maintain their momentum in the season.
With Rice’s surgery scheduled imminently, attention now turns to how the Trojans will adapt and who will step up in this critical moment. Fans are eager to see how the team will cope without one of its leading scorers. The urgency is palpable as USC navigates these challenges on the court. Stay tuned for updates on Rice’s recovery and the Trojans’ performance in the coming weeks.
