USC basketball is set to kick off its upcoming season with a series of neutral-site games in Palm Desert, California during Thanksgiving week. The men’s team will play on Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29, while the women’s team will take to the court on Wednesday and Friday, November 27 and 29.

The games are being played not far from USC’s campus, making it an exciting opportunity for fans to cheer on their favorite teams. When USC coaches spoke to the media after the announcement of these neutral-site games, they explained how the move to the Big Ten conference has influenced their nonconference scheduling plans.

Lindsay Gottlieb, head coach of the USC women’s basketball team, highlighted the importance of selecting strategic events that provide a holiday atmosphere while still being close enough to home. She emphasized that playing in big-time tournaments is crucial for both teams as they prepare for conference play in the Big Ten.

The USC women’s basketball team is expected to be a top-five team next year, led by superstar JuJu Watkins. The team’s participation in this tournament is seen as an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent and compete against top-tier teams. Fans can look forward to an exciting season for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs at USC.