USC's No. 1 recruiting class on display with three McDonald's All American selections
This year’s class of McDonald’s All Americans was announced on Tuesday and the USC Trojans’ No. 1 recruiting class flexed its muscle with three selections.
Head coach Lindsay Gottlieb has done phenomenal work to make USC a destination for top recruits again. Future Trojans will be front and center when the game tips off on April 2 at the Toyota Center in Houston. It will air on ESPN2/ESPN app at 3:30 p.m. PT.
Here’s a look at the USC signees chosen as McDonald’s All Americans.
Forward Kennedy Smith (California/Etiwanda)
Ranked No. 6 in the 2024 ESPNW 100
ESPN scouting report: Smith is a do-everything wing/forward that fits well in today’s semi-positionless game. She is a strong athlete who slashes to the rim, but also has the touch to knock down 3s and has developed a quick release that does not need much space. Defensively, she can just about guard anyone on the floor — a testament to how hard she plays and how much she thinks the game. Laterally, there are not many better than her at her size so when she is guarding a perimeter player, her stance and discipline often win that battle. She is agile and strong on the interior, also an advantage when she is matched up on forwards or post players. She has added more to her handle and we expect to see more growth as she plays for Lindsay Gottlieb and the USC program.”
Guard Avery Howell (Idaho/Boise)
Ranked No. 23 in 2024 ESPNW 100
ESPN scouting report: Howell is a relentless competitor known for her gym schedule and routine. Over the last 18 months, she has seen her stock and ranking rise because of it. She has sharpened her handle and become a knock down 3-point shooter. Already a rugged defender and one of the best rebounders in the class, she added more versatility to her offensive weapons this season to make her impactful on both ends. Howell has a no-nonsense leadership style and expects a business-like approach from teammates. She joins a loaded USC recruiting class that is ranked No. 1 and has seen the profile of the program increase under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb.
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Point guard Kayleigh Heckel (New York/Long Island Lutheran).
Ranked No. 28 in 2024 ESPNW 100
ESPN scouting report: Heckel is a speedy point guard with some serious wheels. When she pushes the ball in transition, her “0-to-60” speed is hard to match in the country. Heckel is explosive to the basket and finishes at the rim with elevation through contact. She changes direction on a dime, shifts pace better than most and is relentless defensively while maintaining incredible conditioning. She rebounds very well out of the guard position and now that she’s evolved to a catch and shoot player, she has made herself one of the best guards in the class. She is joining a loaded 2024 class with USC and looks to continue the Trojans upward momentum into the future.
The rest of USC’s stellar 2024 signing class includes forward Vivian Iwuchukwu (No. 47 in the ESPNW 100), guard Riah Forestier (No. 53) and forward Laura Williams (No. 91).
