USC Basketball: Why DJ Rodman Has A Special Animus Towards UCLA

The Trojans transfer is mega-motivated today.

USC Trojans forward DJ Rodman is very ready for tipoff time tonight against the UCLA Bruins, as the two Pac-12 nemeses are set to face off at 5 p.m. PT.

Per Thuc Nhi Nguyen of The Los Angeles Times, Rodman had desperately wanted to be courted by UCLA, which he considered his "dream school" as a high schooler in Newport Beach.

He eventually signed with the Washington State Cougars, before transferring to the Cardinal and Gold for this 2023-24 NCAA season. But he apparently still holds a grudge.

“I’ve always wanted to beat them for however long I’ve been in college,” Rodman revealed.

He hasn't really been able to deliver on that goal more often than not, given the caliber of his own rosters relative to Mick Cronin's Jaime Jaquez Jr./Tyger Campbell/Jaylen Clark core. The Jserra Catholic High School product currently holds a 2-5 career collegiate record against the Bruins to date.

This season, both clubs are fairly evenly matched, sporting identical 8-11 records. That said, the Trojans are currently at a bit of a talent deficit heading into tonight's game, as it's possible neither USC starting guard will suit up. Freshman phenom Isaiah Collier is out as he recuperates from a hand surgery, but fifth-year guard Boogie Ellis is game-time decision with a nagging hamstring injury that has kept him shelved for the last three contests.