USC head coach Eric Musselman had an unexpected meeting this weekend with Victor Wembanyama, the highly celebrated Victor Wembanyama NBA star, while taking a walk with his dog in Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles. Musselman, who started coaching the Trojans in April 2024 after leaving Arkansas, shared a casual photo of the encounter on social media, delighting fans with the glimpse of the NBA prodigy.
The 21-year-old Wembanyama, drafted first overall by the San Antonio Spurs in 2023, has already made a significant impact in professional basketball. His rookie season featured outstanding averages of 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game. His performance earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award, confirming his status as one of the most promising young talents in the league.
Victor Wembanyama’s Rapid Rise and Market Appeal
Wembanyama’s extraordinary combination of height, agility, and skill has not only made him a dominant player on the court but also one of the most marketable figures in sports. He holds endorsement deals with major brands such as Nike, 2K, Fanatics, Barcode, and Louis Vuitton. As a brand ambassador for Barcode, a sports drink company, Wembanyama’s commercial appeal is rapidly growing alongside his athletic achievements. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his endorsements and rookie salary have helped him amass an estimated net worth of $10 million.
Musselman Reflects on Challenges with USC and Alijah Arenas’ Injury
Since taking charge of the USC men’s basketball team, Musselman has faced some tough moments, including guiding the Trojans to a 17-18 record in his first season and missing the NCAA Tournament for a second consecutive year. This follows a similar outcome in his final season coaching Arkansas, underscoring the rebuilding phase currently underway at USC.
A pressing challenge for Musselman this summer involves the injury of freshman five-star recruit Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas. Arenas is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months after undergoing knee surgery due to an injury sustained in a car accident earlier this year, which resulted in a hospitalization of about a week.
“He is understandably disappointed that he will not be able to take the court to start the season, but his health is our No. 1 priority. We have no doubt that he will come back even stronger. We look forward to supporting him during this process,” —Eric Musselman, USC Head Coach
Looking Ahead: USC’s Prospects and Wembanyama’s NBA Journey
While Musselman works to strengthen the USC basketball program amid injuries and rebuilding, the chance summer encounter with Victor Wembanyama offers a glimpse of basketball’s new generation rising in the NBA. Wembanyama’s rapid ascent sets a high bar for aspiring players, including those at USC who look to make their mark in college and beyond.
This summer moment also highlights the overlapping worlds of college basketball and the professional league, where fresh talent continuously changes the sport’s landscape. As Musselman prepares for upcoming seasons, the support for injured players and the pursuit of competitive success remain central goals, while Wembanyama continues to captivate fans and sponsors alike with his remarkable debut and ongoing career.