Spotlight: Londynn Jones — From Riverside Royalty to USC’s Sharpshooting X-Factor
Where She Comes From: A Hooper Raised on Buckets
Londynn Jones isn’t new to L.A.’s hoops scene — she is the scene.
Born in Riverside, California, and a standout at Centennial High School, Londynn built her name with flashy handles, fearless scoring, and big-game confidence. She was a:
McDonald’s All-American nominee
Team USA U16 gold medalist
CIF-Southern Section Open Division MVP
2,000+ point scorer
By the time she chose UCLA, she was already one of the most respected guards in California. But as time passed, so did the need for a change.
Three Years at UCLA: A Shooter’s Rise and Stall
Londynn’s sophomore season at UCLA was electric:
87 made threes (a program record)
36.6% from deep
10.9 points per game
29 starts and a strong postseason run
But in 2024–25, even while starting 31 games for a Final Four team, her role became more limited. She often played off the ball, rarely given freedom to create off the bounce — despite her strengths in that very area.
She still managed:
8.5 PPG
72 threes at 35.1%
All-Big Ten Honorable Mention
But it was clear she had more to give.
“While not explicitly saying she’d hit a ‘ceiling,’ it’s clear Londynn was looking for a role that better matched her strengths — consistent shot creation, shooting range, and leadership. Coach Lindsay Gottlieb’s system at USC seems custom-designed to let her shine.”
The Flip: From Bruin to Trojan — And It’s Personal
In April 2025, Londynn entered the transfer portal. And she didn’t go far.
She committed to USC within days, making the bold move to cross town to a rival program that had quietly believed in her since middle school. Head Coach Lindsay Gottlieb (Coach GZ) said:
“Londynn is a dynamic combo guard with long-range shooting ability, shot-creating ability, and defensive tenacity… She’s a winner.”
This wasn’t a depth move. It was strategic. Especially with JuJu Watkins sidelined due to injury, Londynn’s presence became essential.
The Nikki Blue Effect: “London Can Really Shoot That Ball”
During my Let’s Talk USC Women’s Basketball podcast with Assistant Coach Nikki Blue, I asked:
“Who’s surprised you the most so far in practice?”
Coach Blue didn’t hesitate.
“London. London can really shoot that ball.”
She went on to break down why Londynn is more than just a shooter.
“It’s the way she finishes around the basket,” Blue said. “How she moves her body, how she controls and shifts in the air — it’s Kyrie Irving-like.”
That body control, that mid-air awareness, that ability to adjust and still finish with finesse — it’s a rare trait in the women’s game, and Londynn is flashing it at USC practice already.
System Fit: From Structure to Freedom
One of the biggest differences in Londynn’s transition from Westwood to South Central isn’t just colors or logos — it’s system fit.
UCLA’s offense, under Coach Cori Close, is built around control and structure. It’s methodical, with scripted sets and post-heavy action. While effective for guards like Kiki Rice and wings like Gabriela Jaquez, it didn’t always highlight Jones’ full creative bag.
By contrast, Coach Gottlieb runs a read-and-react, flow-based offense — one that mirrors pro-style spacing, favors freedom of movement, and lets creators create.
In that system, Londynn doesn’t wait for the play to come to her. She reads, reacts, and attacks.
She now has the green light to shoot off the bounce, reject screens, relocate after passing, or pull from deep in rhythm. That freedom is already showing in practice.
“This is a system where Londynn Jones gets to be Londynn Jones.”
Riverside → USC: Rare Company, Real History
This part matters for the city.
Cheryl Miller—USC’s greatest icon—was born and raised in Riverside and starred at Riverside Poly High. From there, she led the Women of Troy to back-to-back national championships (1983, 1984) and became a generational name in the sport.
Now, Londynn Jones becomes the second known women’s basketball player from Riverside to suit up for USC.
From Poly to Centennial, two different eras. Same hometown pride.
Cheryl opened the door. Londynn is walking through it—her way.
It’s rare company. It’s real legacy. And it’s unfolding in real time.
What She Brings to USC
With Juju possibly out and USC reworking its identity, Londynn slots into a key leadership role right away. She’ll be sharing the backcourt with Jazzy Davidson, Kara Dunn, and Kennedy Smith, helping drive a new up-tempo offense based on spacing, cutting, and instinct.
Her role?
Start in the backcourt
Stretch the defense with shooting
Create when the offense stalls
Lead vocally and by example
USC isn’t just relying on what she was at UCLA. They’re unlocking what she’s always been capable of.
She’s Seen USC From the Other Side
In the 2025 Big Ten Tournament Final, Londynn dropped 13 points against USC in a tight 72–67 UCLA win. That was her last game against the Trojans.
Now? She’s wearing Cardinal and Gold — and gunning for trophies from the inside.
Final Word: Londynn the Liberated
USC isn’t just getting a shooter.
They’re getting a hooper with poise, control, toughness, and range — a veteran presence with a score-first mentality and something to prove.
With Coach Geezy’s belief, Coach Blue’s guidance, and a South-Central system built for guards, Londynn’s ready to turn the page.
No more corners.
No more ceilings.
This is Londynn’s time.
