Joshua Rivera Commits to USC Basketball

The four-star prospect becomes the first player to join the Trojans for the 2027 recruiting class.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Basketball

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Archbishop Stepinac standout Joshua Rivera has committed to play basketball at USC. He is the first recruit to join the school's 2027 class.

Why it matters

Rivera secured his scholarship offer after delivering a standout 27-point performance during a nationally televised exhibition game at the Border League. His decision establishes an early foundation for the USC coaching staff as they build their future roster.

Rivera averaged 14.4 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game in the Under Armour Association. He notably scored 27 points, including a personal 11-0 scoring run, during a game against Prolific Prep.

The players

Joshua Rivera

He is a four-star high school basketball prospect who attends Archbishop Stepinac High School in New York.

Eric Musselman

He is the head basketball coach at USC who scouted Rivera at the Border League exhibition game.

The details

USC head coach Eric Musselman and his staff prioritized Rivera following his showing at the Border League in Las Vegas. The recruiting process included an open gym visit in New York and an official trip to Los Angeles.

Joshua Rivera played at the Border League in Las Vegas in October 2026.

Season Trajectory

Rivera marks the third player from Archbishop Stepinac to commit to USC in two years, continuing an established recruiting pipeline. His early commitment signals a proactive approach by the program in securing talent for the 2027 cycle.

Rivera is the first player to commit to the 2027 recruiting class, setting the initial building block for the roster's future composition. His move indicates that the USC coaching staff is already aggressively filling scholarship spots for future seasons.

The takeaway

Securing a four-star talent early in the recruiting cycle provides significant momentum for a coaching staff looking to solidify their future roster. High school prospects often use showcase events like the Border League to demonstrate their readiness for collegiate-level play.