Evan Mobley declared for the NBA draft on Friday, closing the final chapter of a single storybook season in which the 7-footer helped propel a program revival, swept the Pac-12 awards, and led USC to the Elite Eight.
Now, after an already historic run, he’ll look to become the highest-picked Trojan in the history of the NBA draft.
Mobley’s decision to declare had been expected ever since he committed to USC in August 2019 as the highest-rated recruit in the program’s history. But how he announced on Friday was unique. The top prospect will auction off his draft declaration as a one-of-a-kind nonfungible token (NFT) titled “League Bound.”
“I’ve dreamed about turning pro since I was a kid,” Mobley wrote. “Come along for the journey.”
LEAGUE BOUND! I’ve dreamed about turning pro since I was a kid. Come along for the journey: https://t.co/mIpfUaZRy0 #1of1 #NFT pic.twitter.com/nD1uTVkSkv
— Evan Mobley (@evanmobley) April 16, 2021
His sole season at USC was certainly one of a kind for the Trojans. Due to the pandemic, Mobley never played in front of fans at Galen Center. Still, the 7-footer presided over a program resurgence, living up to the sky-high expectations that followed him from Rancho Christian School to USC.
Mobley led the Pac-12 in rebounds (averaging 8.7 per game) and blocks (2.9), while also averaging 16.4 points and 2.4 assists. He was named Pac-12 player of the year, defensive player of the year and freshman of the year. He became a unanimous All-American. And soon, he’ll likely be a top-three pick in the NBA draft.
The only Trojan to ever be selected that high was O.J. Mayo, who was drafted third overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2008. After an extraordinary season, Mobley may be picked higher.
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The Zags roll on!
Gonzaga Lands 7-foot OC Chet Holmgren
The No. 1 men’s basketball recruit will suit up for the Zags in 2021.
bleacherreport.com
Just read that Chris Brown died. Kinda sad to see a 24 year old kid for so early.
Georgia QB JT Daniels has impressive spring game
“Georgia QB JT Daniels proved to head coach Kirby Smart, his team, and Dawg fans everywhere why he’s their QB1 heading into the 2021 football season with his impressive G-Day performance this Saturday.
“Daniels completed 28 of his 41 passing attempts, throwing for 324 yards and 3 touchdowns, helping the Red Team secure a 28 – 23 victory over the Black Team…”
ugawire.com
This is the Clay Helton formula for success:
Gentleman Clay explains why USC’s OL looked bad again yesterday, allowing eight sacks and opening few holes — “Every experience is a great experience, and you learn from your successes and your failures.”
On a down note:
USC’s DL lost a key player this week. Brandon Pili had surgery on a torn Achilles tendon, and will likely miss the season.
I have long believed the Clay doesn’t see a need for well trained linemen. It’s one glowing area that never gets addressed. I was hoping that a new coach would change the look of the OLine, but the quarterbacks couldn’t pass gas with that line.
Clay will tell everyone that the line was split up so there was never any chance for success from the get-go.
The USC OL remains pitiful, as of spring 2021. The only question remaining is, which current USC OL will be a 1st round draft pick? There has to be one here, right?! 
I like your line that Clay could have the #1 recruiting class in the nation for 4 straight years and SC would still not make the playoffs. I think GH could have four first round picks on the OL (right now, my guess is he has zero) and still not be able to run the ball.
As reliable as the sun rising in the east, Uncle Clay will under-impress with his bull schitt.
I just can’t listen to him anymore. It even hurt for me to hear Adoree Jackson gush about Helton during the spring game, about his consistency, availability, etc.
I know it’s all pro format player talk, but I’d enjoy hearing what JT Daniels has to say about his experience at GA, vs what he absorbed at USC, when he was annihilated as a freshman behind USC’s ghost line in 2018.
That is no bueno.
Allen, Based on what I am reading, I am staying with my 6-6 pick for next year. The OL is a mess, Clay is still incompetent, and GH is still learning. I think SC goes 6-6 and Clay is returned for one more year. My largest concern for 2021 is Kedon does not get hurt. Then in 2022, Clay will be removed for Donte Williams. Granted a lot has to happen for that prediction to be become true, but I just do not see anything near quality football with Clay as the HC. Our defense will be good but not… Read more »
I’m now convinced USC will be better than 6-6, which is where I was stuck with USC for a while. Even if Slovis has irretrievably slumped back a little (he did NOT look good in the spring game at all), I’m convinced USC will go at least 8-4, maybe 9-3 now. I bet Jaxson Dart could come in as a true frosh and hold his own with both his arm and his feet. I now think Dart will turn out better than Slovis. I don’t know what has happened to Slovis. Maybe we all never will. Or maybe he’ll somehow… Read more »
I think Slovis was playing his first year as if he was still under the penumbra of his former pro QB high school coach (boy, am I getting bad remembering names!). That positive vibe is fading and the polluted penumbra of the Helton/Harrell is starting to “F” with his football mind. The last two seasons have resulted in injuries to Kedon, also, which doesn’t help. Too much time around Helton would ruin Tom Brady IMO.
Jaxon Dart looks much better than Miller Moss, right now anyway.
Ya. No comparison at this stage. You can see Dart’s leadership qualities standing out too. He’s already directing guys. Really nice TD throw to frosh WR #13 Michael Jackson at the end. Jackson, from Las Vegas Desert Pines, also looks like a real player to me. He had two terrific one-handers today. I also liked that catch by frosh TE #87 Lake McCree from Texas in the 2nd half. Redshirt Frosh RB #34 Matt Colombo from Bosco also had a couple of nice pick-ups for a walk-on. The question for USC remains the OL. Fortunately, the OL doesn’t take on… Read more »
I agree with the assessment of Dart. He looked confident and had some good pace to his passes where as Moss looked a bit overwhelmed and timid to me. I liked the throw Mo Hassan made for the TD before he got hurt. The question for me in the upcoming season will be if Slovis lays an egg in the first half or so of a game, will Harrell/Helton be willing to change to one of the backups to get the team going. We shall see.
Rlee, I wish it would be true, but I just can’t see Helton allowing someone he designated as QB to be unseated and replaced. Has never happened yet, at least not during a game, unless there was a serious injury to the starter. Again, I give you Toa!!
Since Helton was a QB (even though he was never any good in college), he thinks he knows everything in the world about the position. Just another Helton roadblock to USC success.
As harsh as your opinion is, I agree 100%. 😟
I agree with you Steveg and Allen & Terrific Tommy. I was a QB in High School and was pulled if I wasn’t performing. I had a big arm but no wheels….LOL. There was no doubt that I was going to attend college at USC, but Pat Haden was the incumbent QB so I decided to take the academic route and that proved to be a smart move. I would have also had to compete with my classmates, Vince Evans and Rob Hertl who redshirted our Freshman year, so he became the starting QB after Vince graduated in 1977. I… Read more »
Some first-half impressions: RB #28 Keontay Ingram looks like a player. Great hands out of the backfield too. RB #7 Stephen Carr running hard. WR #4 Bru McCoy is a playmaker Frosh DL #93 Jay Toia is a monster future DL AA for the Trojans. Wow! CB #8 Chris Steele has what it takes for the NFL. QB #2 Jaxson Dart can really run. WR #15 Drake London catches everything (though he did have one drop). Reminds me of an even more athletic Eric Affholter. He’s so good at shielding the DB from the ball. A lot of competition between… Read more »
Unfortunately, USC forward Isaiah Mobley, who really came on at the end for the Trojans, has declared for the Draft.
Not surprising. Will their Dad stay on Enfield’s staff?
Hope so. Maybe he can line up USC with future stars. Or maybe not. But the continuity for USC hoops would still be good for a change.
USC needs some hoops portal help really bad now. Don’t you think?
Anyone else watching the game?
Count me in. No crowd, that’s for sure.
Kinda slow for the offense, but good to see them play real game. I think the running backs have played well.
USC’s spring game will air on the Pac-12 Networks at 1:00 pm PT.
Apparently the women’s soccer team was only allowed 4 fans per player for the game yesterday against UCLA while the football scrimmage/practice is allowed 5,000 fans. The baseball team has voiced solidarity with the women for equity. I get football is the revenue generator but really? You couldn’t open up the Coli for more fans for the 2 best women’s soccer teams in the conference? AD Bohn, you look like a cheap sexist bastard.
I will watch the scrimmage but did not watch the soccer match.
With one of my grammas. I’ve always loved football.
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Allen’s picture
With my Norwegian gramma. I always loved football…
Got to love it when an SC basketball news-report is posted, and the reaction that emerges is something short of panic-in-the-street. Crickets are “heard” every which way. SC basketball– never heard of it. And now that Spring Football is ending, the scourge of the ‘dreads of sports reporting’ is now beginning in April, not to end 4-months hence with the beginning of football practices, and 5-months later with the beginning of the 2021 Football Season See you all in September with the beginning of, hopefully, a more normal football season. And don’t be a fool– get your vaccine shots now!… Read more »
Well, if Evan had to go hope it is the top pick. Actually, he is the safest bet in the draft.
A seven footer with some PG skills. Mobley follows the new prototype for PF/C position.
Plays like a true defensive center yet can go out and hit the mid range shot. And his passing skills are good. Problem is he will be with a lousy team but hope a mid range team gets top pick in lottery.
Mobley was just an awesome player. It was sure a pleasure to see USC hoops have a player of that true one-and-done caliber!
I always listen to a lawyer for my medical advice LJ. Just sayin’….
We should do an anonymous poll on who’s been vaccinated. I received both my Moderna shots at the Anaheim Convention Center. Amazingly well-organized and quick.
I’m in favor of people being able to do what they want. I can’t walk in the shoes of anyone else regarding this issue.