Why 5-Star Basketball Recruit Trey McKenney Will Commit to USC over Michigan, Georgetown

Five-star basketball recruit Trey McKenney will announce his college decision on Nov. 9 between the USC Trojans, Michigan Wolverines and Georgetown Hoyas. Of his final three, the USC Trojans have a strong chance to land one of the top recruits in the class of 2025.

Orchard Lake St. Mary's Trey McKenney celebrates a big play during the Division 1 boys basketball state championship on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Michigan State University's Breslin Center. / Brandon Folsom/Hometown Life / USA TODAY NETWORK

On Nov. 9, five-star combo guard Trey McKenney will announce his college decision. McKenney is one of the top men's basketball recruits in the nation and has narrowed his decision down to his final three schools: the USC Trojans, Georgetown Hoyas and Michigan Wolverines. Though McKenney is a Flint (MI.) native, there is a high chance the five-star recruit will choose the Trojans.

McKenney will be sharing his final decision with 247Sports. McKenney is the No. 3 combo guard in the country and the No. 1 in Michigan in the class of 2025. He is ranked as the No. 24 overall recruit in the nation. McKenney has been on official visits with all three of his final schools and would be a major addition to USC's basketball program.

McKenney had an official visit with USC on Sept. 1. USC has been a school in the running for McKenney since before the program's coaching change. The coaching switch delayed McKenney’s visit with the Trojans, but USC coach Eric Musselman still gave McKenney an offer. 

Orchard Lake St. Mary's Trey McKenney celebrates a big play during the Division 1 boys basketball state championship on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Michigan State University's Breslin Center. / Brandon Folsom/Hometown Life / USA TODAY NETWORK

Before making his announcement, McKenney spoke to 247Sports about his top three schools. To McKenney, Musselman is one of the most important aspects of the USC Trojans that would sway his decision. Musselman’s connection to the NBA stands out to McKenney and will play a factor in his decision.

“Coach Muss and his reputation in the NBA and his staff speaks for itself, how much they care about getting guys to the NBA. You definitely want to hear that as a recruit,” McKenney said.

Musselman has been an important factor in McKenney’s recruiting process. Before getting the USC job, Musselman coached the Arkansas Razorbacks. While coaching Arkansas, Musselman was recruiting McKenney to the Razorbacks.

USC Trojans head coach Eric Musselman watches his team from the bench during the second half of their exhibition game at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. / Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“Coach Musselman was recruiting me while he was at Arkansas,” McKenney told On3. “He likes how I play, how I can get everyone involved and still score and play on defense. I’ve been talking with him for a minute, and he offered me again once he got to USC.”

Coaching has remained a major factor in McKenney’s recruitment. In April 2024, McKenney spoke to On3 in depth about what goes into his decision-making for his future.

“I’m going to be looking at the relationship I am able to build with the coach, and how people around the program treat me and my family,” McKenney said. “I want to go somewhere that I’m going to be a focal point of the offense. I’ll look at the fit of the program, how I can develop as a person and a player both on and off the court.”

A new culture with a new coach can sway McKenney to the Trojans. The USC Trojans have a big chance to get the combo guard, as Musselman has remained in contact with McKenney. The communication and clear interest in McKenney could lead to the Trojans gaining a major five-star recruit.

MORE: USC Trojans Quarterback Miller Moss's Mom Tweets About Lincoln Riley's Benching?

MORE: USC Trojans Coach Lincoln Riley Reveals Why He's Starting Quarterback Jayden Maiava

MORE: USC Trojans Five-Star Commit Julian Lewis Flipping to Indiana? Visit Scheduled

MORE: USC Trojans' Lincoln Riley Benches Quarterback Miller Moss For Transfer Jayden Maiava

MORE: USC Trojans Recruiting: 5-Star Commit Julian Lewis Throws Staggering Number Touchdown

MORE: Chicago Bears' Matt Eberflus on Caleb Williams' Injury in Loss to Arizona Cardinals

MORE: Detroit Lions Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown Goes Viral, Wears 'Green Bay Sucks' Hoodie

MORE: USC Trojans Recruiting: Five-Star Julian Lewis Setting Records, Potential Flip?

MORE: What Washington Huskies Coach Jedd Fisch Said After Upset Win Over USC Trojans