Avery Howell leaves USC for transfer portal amid team shakeup
- Avery Howell averaged 7.5 points and shot 40% from three-point range this season while playing 35 games for USC.
- Her decision to enter the transfer portal aligns with two other USC guards also opting for new opportunities.
- This move highlights significant changes in USC's women's basketball program as players seek better fits in a competitive landscape.
In the United States, the NCAA Transfer Portal continues to see significant movement as athletes seek new opportunities. On April 2, 2025, Avery Howell, a freshman guard from the University of Southern California, officially declared her intention to enter the transfer portal. Along with Howell, two other USC guards, Aaliyah Gayles and Dominique Darius, also opted to make similar moves, indicating a period of change for the USC women's basketball program. Howell, who played in 35 games for the Trojans this past season, averaged 7.5 points, 3 rebounds, and showcased her shooting skills, hitting 40% from beyond the arc and 83% from the free-throw line. Her performance was particularly noteworthy as she stepped up to start the team's last two games during the NCAA Tournament following a season-ending injury to star guard JuJu Watkins. This decision was described by Howell as a difficult one, albeit one she felt was necessary for her career progression. During her time at USC, Howell earned a reputation for her sharpshooting and contribution to the team, yet there appears to be a desire to explore new avenues moving forward. The transfer portal has become a notable pathway for student-athletes in various sports to search for better opportunities, including more playing time and improved fit with team dynamics. The recent entries from USC players stand in the context of broader trends within college athletics, wherein coaches and programs must navigate the challenges of maintaining roster stability amid frequent player movement. As of this season, many prominent names have also entered the transfer portal, indicating that this issue affects teams across the nation—an ongoing trend that reshapes the landscape of college sports. Every transfer decision follows coaches closely as they look for players to fill critical roles in their respective teams. Howell's departure leaves room for introspection on the current state of the USC women's basketball program and what strategic adjustments are needed for future seasons to retain talent within their ranks.