With a solid 31-4 record, the USC Trojans women’s basketball team was riding high this season. Their star guard, JuJu Watkins, was leading the charge with her impressive 23.9 points record. With her on paint, the Trojans had built strong momentum, fueling hopes of a deep NCAA Tournament run. Everything seemed to be going as one would hope for until disaster struck during the Trojans’ second-round game against Mississippi State. Watkins suffered a devastating ACL injury bringing an abrupt end to her incredible freshman season. Her departure from the team undeniably left a “big void” in their NCAA title race. But the resilient, ever-optimistic Trojans still managed to defeat Mississippi State, thanks to Kisi Iriafen’s 36 points in Watkin’s absence.

But that wasn’t all. Avery Howell especially stepped up after JuJu Watkins’ injury prevented her from playing beyond the 2nd round. During the ‘Sweet 16’ matchup, she led the scoring effort alongside Kennedy Smith. While Smith dropped 19 points, Howell recorded a score of 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist throughout 37 games. She made 6-11 (54.5%) field goals, 4-8 (50.0%) 3-pointers, and 2-2 (100.0%) free throws. The 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 0 assists she recorded against Paige Bueckers’ UConn Huskies, however, weren’t enough for the Trojans to go beyond the Elite Eight stage.

“Right now, my heart is with my teammates — I wish I could have been out there battling, but I couldn’t be prouder of the fight we’ve fought together,” wrote JuJu Watkins in a statement right after the USC Trojans’ elimination from the March Madness tournament. USC Coach Lindsay Gottlieb revealed that after the game, JuJu had even spoken to the team on a FaceTime call before and after the Kansas State game.

It was a testament to the Trojans’ bond—how they had each other’s backs no matter the adversity. That’s why what followed next came as an even bigger shock.

USC Trojans’ guard Avery Howell has announced that she is entering the transfer portal! Taking to her official Instagram account, the 18-year-old put out an official statement that revealed her next move. She gave her deepest gratitude to the University of South California, her coaches, teammates, and “the entire Trojan family for their unwavering support.” But “after much reflection,” Howell is moving on to find the best fit for her future.

“This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is the right step for my journey,” she wrote. With the kind of season Avery has had schools will be quite willing to take her in quickly. “Thank you, USC, for everything – you will always hold a special place in my heart.”, she continued.

When the transfer portal opened in late March, the NCAA reported that 595 women’s basketball players entered in the first 24 hours. The number has now gone up to just over 1,000 transfers, according to a recent update by HoopsHQ. Amid this vast field, however, the guard’s name would have been least expected.

Despite not winning the NCAA title, the young star had a breakout season. The 6-foot guard, and Boise local, made her mark as a freshman, finishing 6th amongst the Trojans squad in minutes per game, and 5th on the team in scoring by averaging 7.5 points per game. During USC’s NCAA Tournament run, Howell made a memorable impression by posting back-to-back games with 18 points to win against Mississippi State and Kansas State.

Regardless, Howell had set a picture for USC’s future as a part of the freshman trio alongside Kennedy Smith and Kayleigh Heckel. With JuJu Watkins speculated to be out for 9-12 months, it was expected that the trio would carry the scoring and overall playing load during the regular season next year. Unfortunately for fans, Howell had other plans in mind.

The USC Trojans’ front office was already motivated to implement changes amid Juju Watkins’ injury. Now, Avery Howell’s exit would only push the team further. Scouts have already touted one prospect over the last few days, and the Trojans might choose to move to acquire her soon.

Will the USC Trojans acquire Ta’Niya Latson?

Amongst the biggest names to join the Transfer Portal this year is Florida State junior guard Ta’Niya Latson. According to Andraya Carter, Florida State had been preparing for such a scenario. All thanks to Latson’s incredible play and ability to command a major NIL deal. As soon as the player announced her decision to make a change, commentators already touted her as a ‘substantial option’ for the Trojans.

Ta’Niya Latson not only led the team, but the nation in scoring. She recorded an average of 25.2 points per game this season while shooting 45.1% from the field. It is hard to replace what Watkins can do on both ends of the floor. However, Latson could give the Trojans a top option on the offensive end.

Now that the team is also losing Kiki Iriafen to the WNBA, the program is in need of a scorer. USC has had relative success in the transfer portal, evident from Iriafen’s signing. Hopefully this adds to the list.

According to Anil S. Ranawat, MD, Watkins’ recovery could go even till 14 months. 9 might be the best-case scenario. Both Kayleigh Heckel and Avery Howell had been earning much playing time and improving throughout the season. With Howell gone, Lindsay Gottlieb and the Trojans’ squad cannot solely depend on Heckel’s 6.1 points average. Neither could they depend on Malia Samuels.

The sophomore season has developed throughout the season, but still only averaged 2.3 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, with 12.5 minutes of average playtime. The Trojans would thus require a prominent addition to keep the team afloat.

Do you believe that Ta’Niya Latson would be inclined to join JuJu Watkins and co for the long term? Let us know in the comments section down below.