Easter II Shines in Starting Role, USC Defeats Grand Canyon

Easter II Shines in Starting Role, USC Defeats Grand Canyon in Exhibition Game 

Easter Shows Out With Double Double, Clutch Steal

 By Deon Cash                                                      National Beat Writer 

Jerry Easter II, one of the top players in the 2025 HS basketball class, went to USC, spurning Ohio State and others in the process. 

While some wondered why the Ohio native would head west, Easter II knew that would be the best fit for him and his family. 

Despite higher profile recruits landing at USC, Easter II remained focused on one thing: 

Developing his game for the next level along with being ready for the upcoming season.  

Easter worked hard in the off-season and it has paid off. 

He would dominate defensively in the first exhibition game, leading the team in steals, and having a good floor game in the process. 

In the post game press conference, USC Head Coach Jim Mussleman praised Easter II for his defensive intensity and rewarded him with his first ever start in the 2nd exhibition.

Jerry did not disappoint, as he put up video game numbers in the win:

10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists, including the game-clinching play in a 67-61 win.

He also helped hold the vaunted Grand Canyon starting backcourt to 8-24 shooting. 

While the game was in the balance, Easter II would anticipate the offensive move, steal the ball and two-hand slam it to end the game. 

Mussleman once again praised Easter II for his play, solidifying himself as someone the Trojans can count on to contribute on both sides of the court.

Easter should be a starter for the season opener next week. 

And quite frankly, Easter II looks like a real Trojan in the uniform, as he has a "NBA Ready" body to go with his elite skill set. 

While Easter II was content with the win, he feels like he could have done more, which is part of his makeup. Never fully happy, never content. Never brags or boasts. He simply keeps his head down and gets back in the lab.

Coming from a talented duo of parents, as Trena Easter hooped at Michigan, while Jerry Easter was a prolific boxer in his time.

It was the elder Easter birthday, and he got a special treat during his birthday weekend: 

Watching his son first start in college, and have a real impact? With the game-clinching dunk to finish off the opps? 

"Doesnt get much better than that." Easter Sr would state. 

You can see how Easter II has taken on the boxing aspect, as he stays in the gym following a win or loss. 

Look for Easter II to continue to be a prominent figure in the rise of USC this season. He should also be rising in the NBA Draft stock as well, as Easter II looks to be every on his way to being as dominant in college as he was in high school. 

Follow Jerry Easter II and his family on the journey at USC as S.E.Live365 will stay up to date on the results.