A new year and a new twist at the court, every second. Elzie Harrington, known for his skills on the court, has captured the attention of the crowd again. But this time not just with his gameplay—rather, with a sudden change of heart.

Harrington’s performances have elevated his team to new heights. The 6-foot-5 guard, who has averaged an impressive 18.0 points per game as a senior, continues to showcase his strong vision and versatility. His exceptional skills have earned him interest from top recruiters across the nation.

Initially, Harrington verbally committed to Harvard Crimson. But as many know, a verbal commitment is not set in stone. And now, Harrington has decided to flip his commitment to USC, leaving Harvard fans stunned.

In an interview with On3, Harrington explained his reasoning behind the switch: “Musselman is great at coaching and developing big guards. I think he’ll challenge and get the best out of me every day and that’s something that is really important.” 

Eric Musselman made a significant move by re-offering Harrington a scholarship for the class of 2025, sparking a major development in this recruiting cycle. Harrington’s skillset is expected to be a crucial addition to USC’s men’s basketball program, while his decision leaves Harvard in a challenging position.

Elzie Harrington’s decision: Impact on Harvard and USC

Harrington ranked as the No. 50 overall recruit in the 2025 class brings a lot of promise to USC. His ability to play multiple positions and his defensive prowess make him a valuable asset for the Trojans. Musselman’s reputation for developing big guards and his ability to articulate a clear vision for Harrington’s future played a pivotal role in this decision.

This move is undoubtedly a win for USC, as they continue to build a strong roster with promising players. Harrington’s addition bolsters their lineup and raises expectations for success.

But with this sudden change, of course, Harvard’s recruiting ability is back to old challenges. Their reliance on the prestige of their academic reputation to attract top talent has proven insufficient in this case. Harvard was looking forward to strong defensive gameplay with Elzie on the team. Harrington was definitely the best choice in their situation. It would have just not lifted Harvard’s gameplay but would have brought a lot of attention and endorsement along.

While Harrington’s decision reflects a promising future for him at USC under Musselman’s tutelage, it also raises questions about Harvard’s next move. How will the Crimson rebound from this missed opportunity? Only time will tell.