In a major recruiting victory that is sure to energize the USC Trojans basketball program, ESPN 100 senior Jerry Easter, one of the top uncommitted guards in the 2025 class, has announced his commitment to play for USC under new head coach Eric Musselman. The skilled 6-foot-3 playmaker from Ohio chose the Trojans over finalist schools Vanderbilt, Ohio State, and SMU.
Easter’s commitment represents a significant early win for Musselman, who took over the USC program in the spring after a successful stint at Arkansas. Landing a top-50 national recruit like Easter right out of the gate sends a strong signal about Musselman’s recruiting prowess and the upward trajectory he envisions for the Trojans.
Why Jerry Easter Chose USC and Eric Musselman
In discussing his decision to commit to USC, Easter emphasized the strong relationship he had built with Coach Musselman and the Trojan coaching staff. Even before taking the USC job, Musselman had prioritized recruiting Easter while at Arkansas.
“I have a good relationship with Coach Muss and the staff,” Easter told ESPN. “Coach was recruiting me when he was at Arkansas. I really enjoyed my visit. I went over to Coach’s house, and that was special. He made me feel like family.”
Easter came away impressed after getting an inside look at Musselman’s coaching style and attention to detail. He was invited to sit in on the Trojans’ preparation for a preseason scrimmage against Gonzaga, one of the nation’s top programs.
“Coach Muss lights up a room. He’s got great energy and is a really hard worker. I like the way he pushes his players; that’s what I need.”
Opportunity to Make an Immediate Impact at USC
With nine seniors set to depart the USC roster after this season, Easter recognized a prime opportunity to step in and contribute right away as a freshman. His elite skill set should fit perfectly with the Trojans’ needs in the backcourt.
“They need my position, and I feel like it’s a great fit,” Easter said. “I know I must work to start and earn my playing time. I have no problem with that. Nothing is guaranteed.”
A Closer Look at Jerry Easter’s Game
At 6-foot-3, Easter has the versatility to excel at either guard position. He’s a dynamic playmaker equally adept at scoring himself or creating opportunities for teammates.
Easter is particularly dangerous on the drive, using his quickness, agility and powers of penetration to break down defenses. He has a knack for snaking through traffic and finishing creatively around the rim. In the open court, Easter is a blur, pushing the pace, attacking gaps, and pressuring opponents in transition.
While more of a slasher than a pure shooter at this stage, Easter has shown promise as a perimeter threat and should only improve as he adds strength and refines his outside shot. Defensively, he has the tools and competitive drive to be a disruptive, multi-positional stopper.
Playing for Link Academy in Missouri and the Team Final program on the Nike EYBL circuit, Easter put up strong numbers against top competition. He averaged 17.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in the EYBL regular season, then upped his output to 20.7 points per game at the Peach Invitational in July.
What Jerry Easter’s Commitment Means for USC Basketball
For USC, landing a talent of Easter’s caliber this early in Musselman’s tenure is a major coup that should pay both immediate and long-term dividends.
In the short term, the Trojans are getting a top-50 national recruit and instant-impact freshman who will be crucial to reloading the roster after heavy losses to graduation. Having an elite playmaker like Easter in the fold could also aid Musselman and his staff in recruiting other top prospects in the 2025 and 2026 classes.
More broadly, Easter’s commitment represents an early signature moment for the Musselman era at USC. It’s a tangible encapsulation of the energy and excitement Musselman has injected into the program, and a promising sign that his relentless approach to recruiting and player development will translate well in Los Angeles.
If Musselman can continue to stack classes with high-upside talents like Easter, and mold them within his proven system, USC has the potential to build a consistent winner in the Pac-12 and make noise on the national stage. While there’s still much work to be done, Jerry Easter’s commitment to the Trojans marks an undeniably positive start.
