USC Trojans Guard Wesley Yates III Earns Big Ten Freshman Of The Week Honors

The USC Trojans had a big week, splitting their games vs. Indiana and Illinois. The Trojans defeated Illinois en route to their first ranked win on the road since 2011. For his efforts, USC guard Wesley Yates III was awarded Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
Jan 8, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; USC Trojans guard Wesley Yates III (6) goes to the basket against Indiana Hoosiers forward Mackenzie Mgbako (21) during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.
Jan 8, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; USC Trojans guard Wesley Yates III (6) goes to the basket against Indiana Hoosiers forward Mackenzie Mgbako (21) during the second half at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. / Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

It's been a big week for the USC Trojans men's basketball team. Not only did the Trojans beat No. 13 Illinois on the road for their first road ranked win since 2011, but USC saw one of their upcoming players get recognized for his efforts.

USC guard Wesley Yates III was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week after averaging 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game in their two game stretch vs. Indiana and Illinois.

En route to winning his first award of the season, Yates put up big numbers against some of the top competition in the Big Ten. In the Trojans' 82-69 loss to Indiana on Jan. 8, Yates put up 18 points, four rebounds and three assists. The 18 points is the second highest total he's scored this season.

Yates turned it up a notch in USC's 82-72 win over No. 13 Illinois. The Texas native had 15 points, six rebounds, and two assists. However, what was most impressive about his game was the extremely effective clip he scored at. Yates ended the game shooting 7-8 from the field.


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On the season, Yates is averaging 10 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. After coming off the bench to start the season, Yates has started the past seven games for the Trojans. The move to bring Yates into the starting lineup has paid divends for USC coach Eric Musselman as USC has collected five wins in their last seven games.

Yates was one of 11 transfers who came in to be a part of Musselman's inaugural roster. The redshirt freshman guard came over from Washington, where an injury caused him to redshirt the entire season for the Huskies. Coincidentally, Yates followed his cousin, who happens to be USC assistant coach Quincy Pondexter from USC to Washington.

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Jan 11, 2025; Champaign, Illinois, USA; USC Trojans guard Wesley Yates III (6) and Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell (4) vie for a loose ball during the first half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images / Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Only a redshirt freshman, Yates should figure to be a big piece of Musselman's immediate plans with the Trojans as Desmond Claude , Isaiah Elohim, Jalen Shelley, Kevin Patton, and Yates are the only players with eligibility after this season ends.

The Trojans have a big game coming up on Tuesday as they return back home to the Galen Center to host the Iowa Hawkeyes. USC will look to win back-to-back Big Ten games for the first time this season. Tipoff will be at 7:30 and the game will be broadcast on FS1.

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Gabriel Duarte
GABRIEL DUARTE

Residing in Los Angeles, Gabriel Duarte is a senior at Cal State Northridge and is pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism. Gabriel is passionate about college athletics and is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and Oregon Ducks on SI. Gabriel has covered many college sporting events around the Southern California area including basketball and football for USC. Gabriel also writes for his local newspaper on high school sports.