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When it comes to looking at some of the best players to ever suit up for the USC Trojans, DeMar DeRozan usually comes to mind right away. He is not only one of the best players in the NBA right now but also one of the most respected due to his involvement in helping the next generation on and off the court.

But it all started in Souther California as DeRozan grew up in the area and actually had the opportunity to attend some other big-name schools, with the University of North Carolina being the popular one that he turned down.

However, the six-time All-Star revealed that a lot went into his decision to roll with the Trojans and even though it wasn't easy to turn down other schools, he knew what was right in his heart, especially considering all of the great names that already suited up for UNC.

"I looked at it like all these great players came through here," said DeRozan. "Say I make it through here, I'll just be another great player. I kind of wanted to go somewhere else and kind of leave a mark and start a new trend. I'm from LA, not too many people from LA even go to USC. They normally pick the other schools so I was like let me go here and make a change."

(Via Club Shay Shay)

DeRozan only spent one season with the Trojans where he averaged about 14 points, six boards and one steal. However, seeing what he has become at the NBA level and how many players' lives that he's impacted, he represents USC through it all. We cannot wait to see how he performs this coming season with the Chicago Bulls and also keep an eye out for DJ Rodman, who will be wearing DeRozan's famous number 10 on his jersey this year.