Reports: Ex-Maryland G Rodney Rice transferring to USC

Former Maryland guard Rodney Rice is transferring to Southern California, according to multiple reports on Tuesday.

Rice chose the Trojans over Tennessee.

USC didn't immediately release any news regarding Rice, but it did announce Tuesday that graduate transfer forward Keonte Jones has signed from nearby Cal State Northridge.

Rice averaged 13.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 36 games (32 starts) in his one season at Maryland. He helped the Terrapins reach the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Maryland coach Kevin Willard took the Villanova post after the season but Rice apparently never strongly considered joining Willard. Also, reports said new Maryland coach Buzz Williams didn't attempt to get Rice to stay.

Rice began his career at Virginia Tech and played in just eight games in 2022-23 due to a broken ankle and a broken hand. He left the Hokies early in the 2023-24 campaign before moving on to Maryland in March 2024.

Meanwhile, Jones averaged 13.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocked shots in 33 games last season for Cal State Northridge and was a first-team All-Big West selection.

In two seasons with the Matadors, Jones averaged 12.3 points and 7.9 rebounds in 67 games (64 starts).

"Keonte is a versatile player on both ends of the floor that plays with a tremendous competitive spirit," USC coach Eric Musselman said in the release. "He plays with incredible passion and will be a great asset to our program."

--Field Level Media