USC Basketball: NBA Contender Hopes To Sign Rookie Ex-Trojan To G League Club
While it's easy to focus on your USC's men's basketball season being only 22 days away, it's important not to forget about former Trojans, and what their paths look like in a world post-USC.
A player to spotlight today is Drew Peterson, who played for the Trojans from 2020-2023.
Peterson is a 6'9 forward who was an incredibly valuable part of multiple Trojan squads that made March Madness runs, including the Elite Eight year in 2021.
As a senior, he was named first-team All Pac-12 Conference after averaging over 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists per game, prior to returning for his fifth year in 2022-23. That season, he was again stellar, averaging 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Drew was a versatile wing who shot well from 3 and performed big in big games, scoring 27 in USC's home victory against a then-reigning Final Four team in the UCLA Bruins in 2022.
Today, Drew is a member of the Miami Heat organization, where, recently Head Coach Erik Spoelstra explained that the team's goal is to have Peterson be a part of their G-League Affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, which gives them the ability to both play with the Heat, but also sign with another NBA team if the opportunity arises, per Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Peterson is just 23-years old, and with the Heat having an excellent eye for talent, there's no doubt that he's likely to get more opportunities elsewhere. Their desire to retain him within their organization is a great sign for his future in the league, and how other teams likely view him when it comes to his long-term potential.
For now, keep an eye out on the former Trojan, as it wouldn't be surprising if he made an impact sooner rather than later, on a team that is yet to be determined.
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