USC Trojans’ Transfer Portal: Youngstown State’s Gabe Dynes Commits to USC
By [Your Name] | April 2025
In an era where the NCAA Transfer Portal has transformed collegiate athletics, the USC Trojans men’s basketball program just landed one of the most intriguing names to watch in the upcoming season: Gabe Dynes. The 7-foot-3 sophomore center from Youngstown State University (YSU) officially committed to USC, signaling a major boost to the Trojans’ frontcourt and a step up in competition for Dynes.
His transfer has stirred interest across the college basketball landscape, not only because of his impressive frame and defensive prowess but also due to the potential he brings to a USC squad looking to regain its edge in the national conversation.
From Kentucky to California: Dynes’ Journey So Far
Gabe Dynes grew up in Independence, Kentucky, where he played high school basketball at Simon Kenton High School. There, he began drawing attention thanks to his towering height, shot-blocking instincts, and efficient offensive touch around the rim.
As a senior, Dynes was a defensive anchor, averaging nearly a double-double with 12.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, while converting a remarkable 74% of his field goals. His performance earned him top accolades in the region, including a First Team All-Conference selection and the Northern Kentucky Division I Defensive Player of the Year award. His dominance on both ends of the court made him a prized recruit, although he remained somewhat under the national radar.
Opting to begin his collegiate career at Youngstown State, Dynes sought a program where he could develop his skills and gain meaningful playing time early in his career.
Making His Mark at Youngstown State
Dynes made an immediate impact at YSU. As a freshman during the 2023-2024 season, he appeared in 27 games, starting four of them. Despite limited minutes early on, he quickly established himself as one of the Horizon League’s top shot blockers, averaging 2.3 blocks per game and tallying a total of 61 blocks—good enough to lead the conference.
His per-minute production was striking. Dynes not only protected the rim but also shot over 70% from the field, indicating strong decision-making and efficiency near the basket. In a December matchup against Bethany (W.Va.), he recorded a career-high 14 points and 10 rebounds, notching his first collegiate double-double.
The sophomore campaign saw continued growth. With added strength and confidence, he averaged closer to 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks per game across 34 appearances. He earned his first Horizon League Freshman of the Week honor and even received buzz as a potential All-Defensive Team candidate.
Entering the Transfer Portal: A New Chapter Begins
In March 2025, Dynes announced he was entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. His decision was not entirely surprising. With two strong seasons under his belt, the towering center was ready for a new challenge—and major programs were quick to notice.
The portal has become a strategic mechanism for both athletes and programs in recent years, offering players like Dynes a chance to elevate their careers, and teams like USC an opportunity to fill roster gaps with proven contributors.
USC, facing a potential overhaul of its frontcourt due to graduation and NBA declarations, saw Dynes as an ideal addition. His size, athleticism, and proven rim protection fit seamlessly into head coach Andy Enfield’s defensive scheme.
Why USC? A Fit of Need and Vision
From Dynes’ perspective, USC represented an ideal blend of exposure, development, and competitive opportunity. The Pac-12 (soon to become part of the Big Ten realignment) remains a breeding ground for NBA-caliber talent, and USC has earned a reputation for developing big men—Evan Mobley and Isaiah Mobley being prime examples.
Dynes’ decision to join USC was influenced not only by the team’s competitive outlook but also by its coaching staff’s vision for his development. Reports suggest Enfield and his staff pitched a clear development plan: increase his offensive repertoire, improve his mobility and conditioning, and turn him into a two-way force.
“This is a huge opportunity,” Dynes said in a recent interview. “I wanted a place where I could grow, be challenged every day, and help a team win. USC gives me that.”
What Dynes Brings to USC
1. Rim Protection
At 7-foot-3 with a long wingspan and natural timing, Dynes is an elite-level shot blocker. USC struggled at times last season with interior defense, especially when facing more athletic bigs. Dynes instantly changes that equation. His ability to deter shots in the paint will allow USC’s perimeter defenders to play more aggressively, knowing they have a last line of defense.
2. Efficient Scoring
Though he’s not yet a go-to offensive option, Dynes finishes well around the rim and doesn’t force shots. His 70% field goal percentage speaks volumes about his shot selection and efficiency. USC will look to expand his offensive game, possibly involving him more in pick-and-roll sets and high-low actions.
3. Rebounding
Averaging close to 10 rebounds per game in high school and improving steadily in college, Dynes is a solid presence on the glass. USC will benefit from his ability to control the defensive boards and create second-chance opportunities on offense.
4. Upside
Perhaps most importantly, Dynes still has untapped potential. He’s relatively new to the spotlight and has shown consistent growth year over year. With elite training facilities, strength programs, and coaching at USC, he could make a significant leap.
The Big Picture: USC’s Roster Outlook
Dynes’ arrival comes at a transitional moment for the Trojans. Following the departure of several key players to the NBA and graduation, USC needed to retool, particularly in the frontcourt. While returning talent like forward Brandon Gardner and wing Oziyah Sellers provides continuity, the addition of Dynes offers a unique piece that was previously missing: a true, traditional center with elite size.
If USC can also land one or two more high-impact transfers or secure a standout freshman class, they could be poised to contend not just in the Pac-12, but on the national level.
Challenges and What to Watch
While Dynes is a promising addition, his transition to the Pac-12 (and potentially Big Ten) level won’t be without challenges. The speed of the game, strength of competition, and demands of playing against NBA-level bigs will test him.
Some areas of improvement include:
- Foot speed and mobility: Facing stretch-fours and mobile centers will require lateral quickness.
- Foul discipline: As a shot blocker, staying out of foul trouble will be key.
- Expanded offensive game: Adding a mid-range jumper or basic post moves could elevate his impact.
That said, USC’s coaching staff has a track record of developing bigs, and Dynes’ work ethic is reportedly strong. If he adapts quickly, he could be one of the breakout big men of the 2025-2026 season.
Fan and Media Reaction
The news of Dynes’ commitment was met with optimism by USC fans and excitement from analysts. On social media, Trojans faithful welcomed him warmly, praising the addition as “smart recruiting” and “a great long-term piece.”
College basketball insiders noted that while Dynes may not be a household name yet, his defensive impact could quietly become one of the defining features of USC’s season. Some even likened his potential to that of players like Zach Edey during his early years at Purdue—raw but game-changing.
Conclusion: A New Trojan Tower Rises
Gabe Dynes’ decision to transfer to USC marks a major step for both the player and the program. For Dynes, it’s the next chapter in a journey that has already defied expectations. From a high school standout in Kentucky to a dominant shot blocker at Youngstown State—and now, a key figure at one of college basketball’s most storied programs—his path is one of steady growth and relentless ambition.
For USC, Dynes represents more than just size in the paint. He symbolizes potential. The kind of potential that can anchor a defense, swing games, and maybe, just maybe, help push the Trojans deep into March Madness.
As the 2025-2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on this 7-foot-3 enforcer. And in the shadow of palm trees and the glitz of Los Angeles, a new Trojan tower is ready to rise.
Let me know if you’d like this formatted for a blog, website post, or press release! I can also provide a social media caption, pull quotes, or visual assets to go with it.
Leave a Reply