In a somewhat expected turn of events for USC basketball, Wesley Yates III, following his redshirt freshman season, will return to the Washington Huskies.
Yates, who joined USC to play alongside his cousin, coach Quincy Pondexter, for the 2024-2025 season, will now head back to Washington.
It’s unclear if coach Pondexter will also return to Washington’s staff, as he is no longer with the Trojans. Yates shared on social media that he has “unfinished business,” which will leave coach Eric Musselman with another gap to fill this offseason.
Currently, the Trojans are in a strong position. They recently secured a commitment from Drew Fielder, a former Georgetown center, to bolster their frontcourt. Alijah Arenas, an exciting freshman, will also join the team this season.
With Yates’ decision to return to Washington, the Trojans’ potential roster still looks solid heading into Musselman’s second year.
Key players like Saint Thomas, Rashaun Agee, and Terrance Williams II are expected to return for their final collegiate season, thanks to new NCAA rules, which adds a positive foundation from last season’s performance.
USC has faced some setbacks in recent high school and portal decisions, but head coach Andy Enfield has proven his ability to adapt to the ever-changing college basketball landscape.
However, until they find a way to address these recruiting losses, the fanbase remains uneasy.
Yates’ transfer back to Washington doesn’t come as a major surprise, but losing both Drew Fielder and Elzie Harrington, along with Yates returning to UW, only adds to the frustrations of a rough start to USC basketball’s offseason.
