Bennie Boatwright To Return For His Senior Season

USC Basketball just got a big boost for next season.

Forward Bennie Boatwright will return next year for his senior season. Report came via Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports. The news was also confirmed by Boatwright’s father per OC Register’s Joey Kaufman.

Last season Boatwright opted to test the NBA draft waters, however he decided to return for his junior season. Boatwright played a key part in USC finishing 2nd in the Pac-12, but a knee injury would sideline him for the reminder of the season. He finished his season averaging 13.6 points and 6.4 rebound which was second on the team.

His return also added by the cloud of uncertainty due to the FBI investigation. Yahoo Sports reported that Boatwright and Chimezie Metu along with multiple college basketball players, received improper benefits which violates NCAA rules. USC cleared Metu of any wrong doing and announced him as eligible, expect Boatwright to have the same process. Earlier that season former USC assistant Tony Bland was arrested and Forward De’Anthony Melton suspended for the season.

Boatwright’s return gives USC the ability to stretch the floor with Jonah Matthews and Jordan Usher shooting ability. USC also hopes to get a boost in rebounding with big man Nik Rakocevic along side Boatwright. Although USC missed the NCAA Tournament, expect the Trojans to be one of the favorites to win the Pac-12 once again.