USC junior guard Desmond Claude has entered the NCAA transfer portal, shaking up the college basketball landscape. The 6’6″ guard averaged 15.8 points, 4.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds this past season for the Trojans, establishing himself as one of the most coveted players available in the portal.
A New Haven native, Claude spent his first two seasons at Xavier where he averaged 16.6 points as a sophomore for the Musketeers. While Claude is also considering the NBA Draft process, his transfer decision will be closely watched by programs nationwide seeking an experienced, versatile guard who can score and distribute at a high level.
Top 5 Potential Landing Spots For Desmond Claude
Syracuse University
The Orange presents perhaps the most compelling case for Claude’s services with their roster configuration heading into the 2025-26 season. Syracuse’s backcourt situation creates a glaring need for an experienced scoring guard like Claude, who could immediately step in and become a primary offensive option in Coach Adrian Autry’s system.
USC junior guard Desmond Claude will enter the transfer portal, source told @thefieldof68.
The 6-5 Claude averaged 15.8 points, 4.2 assists and 3.5 rebounds this past season for the Trojans.
Claude, a New Haven native, spent his first two seasons at Xavier and averaged 16.6…
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) April 23, 2025
Xavier University
A return to Xavier might be the ideal homecoming for Claude, who had two really good seasons with the Musketeers. His development at Xavier was impressive and peaked when he was named the Big East Most Improved Player in his sophomore season before transferring to USC.
The Musketeers program’s new head coach, Richard Pitino, will lead for the 2025-26 season. Returning to Xavier would allow Claude to be a pillar player in Pitino’s system. Claude’s demonstrated ability to perform at a high level in the Big East should immediately improve Xavier’s expectations next season.
University of Louisville
Louisville represents an intriguing opportunity under head coach Pat Kelsey. The Cardinals’ program continues its rebuilding process, creating an opening for Claude to step in as a centerpiece in their efforts to return to national prominence.
For Claude, Louisville offers the chance to be a key contributor in a storied ACC program looking to return to prominence. With Kelsey implementing his vision for the program, Claude could become the offensive focal point and establish himself as the cornerstone of Louisville’s new era under fresh leadership.
University of South Carolina
The Gamecocks, under head coach Lamont Paris, could use Claude’s scoring and playmaking abilities to elevate their status in the competitive SEC. Claude’s experience playing in major conferences would bring valuable leadership to South Carolina’s backcourt.
Claude’s attacking style and ability to create his own shot would address a key need for the Gamecocks’ offense. The opportunity to showcase his talents in the SEC, known for producing NBA-ready guards, might be appealing for Claude as he weighs his options between another collegiate season and professional aspirations.
Michigan State
Having already adapted to Big Ten competition during his season at USC, Claude might find staying within the conference appealing. Michigan State appears to be a potential match with the Spartans’ backcourt situation, possibly creating a perfect opportunity for a scoring guard with experience.
KEEP READING: 2025 Men’s College Basketball Transfer Portal Tracker
While Syracuse and Xavier may be perceived as frontrunners due to personal relationships and previous winning experience, Claude’s decision will probably come down to finding the right combination of minutes, role, and probability of team success. His scoring ability and experience should allow him to be a game changer between whichever program he chooses to commit.
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