USC's Eric Musselman opens up about the CHALLENGES of bei...

What this episode covers

Jon Rothstein sits down with USC head coach Eric Musselman to talk about coaching at both the college and NBA levels, how to build a basketball program and USC and what this year's Trojans need to do to ensure a deep run in the tournament. (0:00) Intro + how has coaching changed over the last 11 years? (0:35) Coaching at USC compared to his other jobs (1:55) Bouncing from being a head coach in the NBA to an assistant in college (2:50) What is the draw to college basketball? Why make the switch? (4:10) What did Musselman learn as an assistant coach at Arizona St. & LSU (5:25) Being the head coach at Nevada and his roster building principals (7:45) Are Elite Eights the toughest losses to take as a head coach? (9:26) Was returning to coach on the west coast always in mind? (10:30) Building a basketball program on a campus where football is king (12:15) How important is building a great home court advantage? (13:30) What was Big Ten travel like for the first time last season? (14:10) Talking about this year’s USC roster & early success with injury (15:50) Alijah Arenas’ potential return (16:15) Rodney Rice’s timetable or lack thereof (17:10) Chad Baker-Mazara and why he’s great for an Eric Musselman team (18:26) The relationship between Musselman and his son Michael on staff (19:50) Enjoying the holiday season with Big Ten play on the other side (21:15) A big win and tough loss that stick out (22:40) One recruit that got away (23:50) What are the longterm keys for USC making the tournament? #CollegeBasketball #CBB #NCAA #BigTen #SEC #ACC #EyeOnCollegeBasketball #JonRothstein #USC #EricMusselman 🎥 WATCH • Subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CBSSportsCBB • Watch CBS Sports HQ: https://cbssports.com/live • Watch CBS Sports Network on your TV or the CBS Sports App with your cable provider 🎧 LISTEN • Stream and follow Eye on College Basketball & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2vk8wq9lunf3agEif1kM8T?si=b4e091007c2545c6 • Download and follow Eye on College Basketball & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eye-on-college-basketball/id268800565 • Stream and follow Inside College Basketball Now with Jon Rothstein & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t03SRmmslKzdQ5AtGlXiM?si=9443b63851324a18 • Download and follow Inside College Basketball Now & leave a 5⭐️ rating on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-college-basketball-now/id1823022867 📱FOLLOW • Twitter: https://twitter.com/EyeOnCBBPodcast • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbssportscbb/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cbssportscbb?lang=en ▶︎Gary Parrish: https://twitter.com/GaryParrishCBS ▶︎Matt Norlander: https://twitter.com/MattNorlander ▶︎Jon Rothstein: https://x.com/JonRothstein 📖 READ • More college basketball news: https://www.cbssports.com/college-basketball/ 🛍️SUPPORT • Shop our merch: https://www.paramountshop.com/collections/eye-on-college-basketball 💵BETTING • For everything CBS Sports Betting: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/ • Find the best sportsbooks: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/best-betting-apps/ • Get the latest sportsbook promos: https://www.cbssports.com/betting/news/sportsbook-promos/ 🎙ABOUT INSIDE COLLEGE BASKETBALL NOW We're also the home for Inside College Basketball Now, hosted by Jon Rothstein. Known for his unmatched insider knowledge, bold takes, and relentless coverage, Rothstein goes deep to deliver what’s really happening in col ...

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Inside College Basketball Now?

This episode is 26 minutes long.

When was this Inside College Basketball Now episode published?

This episode was published on December 16, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Jon Rothstein sits down with USC head coach Eric Musselman to talk about coaching at both the college and NBA levels, how to build a basketball program and USC and what this year's Trojans need to do to ensure a deep run in the tournament. (0:00)...

Can I download this Inside College Basketball Now episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.