The USC Trojans are about to set an even stronger lineup for their future games, as Sara Okeke became the side's latest joinee, and the third five-star recruit for Lindsay Gottlieb's stacked squad.

The Spanish prospect's decision came as a surprise after choosing the Trojans over the likes of Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies, Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks, and Kim Caldwell’s Tennessee Lady Volunteers.

The 6'4 center ranks as the No.11 overall player and the second-best center in 247Sports' composite rankings. Okeke has averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds while shooting nearly 70% from the field at DME, which is expected to make the Chipotle Nationals on April 2-4.

The Spanish prospect also shone in the 2025 FIBA U18 Women's EuroBasket as the tournament's MVP, where she averaged 13.8 points on 57% shooting and 7.1 rebounds.

In a country where perimeter-area scoring and outside-the-arc shooting are the norm, Okeke's unique mix of presence in the paint, elite rebounding ability, and fluidity with the basketball makes her one of the best talents to watch out for. Analysts already compare the 18-year-old’s playstyle to Nneka Ogwumike, a former WNBA MVP and current players’ union president.

Okeke joins an already star-studded lineup consisting of SportsCenter Next 100's No.1 recruit Saniyah Hall and Australian five-star Sitaya Fagan. This power trio, alongside JuJu Watkins, hopes to bring back the Trojans to the level they were performing before Watkins' injury.

Why did Sara Okeke Opt for the USC Trojans?

After choosing the DME Academy in the United States as the place for her final high-school season, there was uncertainty around whether or not Okeke would skip college entirely to pursue her professional career back in Spain.

Fortunately for the Women of Troy, they were able to convince the Spanish prospect when it mattered the most, as Okeke felt like "home" the moment she saw the Trojans' campus.

"I chose USC because as soon as I stepped on the campus, I felt at home. The coaching staff and the players are exactly what I am looking for, and I know they'll push me to grow, on and off the court. I cannot wait to be a part [of] and impact this special program." Okeke told ESPN.

The Trojans have not necessarily been great to watch this season, finishing the conference league as the ninth seed in the Big Ten standings. But three five-star signings can make their fans hope for better results.

So, do you think the Trojans will do better with Okeke on their side?

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Souvik Roy