Yakiya Milton Is Turning Heads — And Quietly Making USC Better
When USC landed Yakiya Milton out of the transfer portal, most people didn’t really know what to expect. She didn’t log big minutes at Auburn, and there’s not a ton of college stats or film out there to evaluate. But that doesn’t mean she lacks talent—it just means she wasn’t in the right situation.
From what I can tell, Auburn just wasn’t the best system to showcase what she can do. Her athleticism, length, and mobility weren’t being used in a way that played to her strengths. Sometimes it’s less about what a player can’t do, and more about the context they’re in—and that’s why her move to USC feels like the right fit at the right time.
This summer, she’s been turning heads at the Real Run College Summer League here in L.A. Let’s be clear—Real Run isn’t loaded with elite NCAA players. It’s a summer league with a mix of talent: some college players, some overseas pros, some older vets, and some just out there hooping. But in that setting, Milton has held her own and shown real flashes of growth. She was recently named Player of the Game after a strong outing in scoring and rebounding, and she’s consistently been active on the glass and impactful in the paint.
Milton brings a unique blend of tools: she’s long, she moves well, and she plays with real fluidity—especially for her size. Her jumper looks smooth, and from what I’ve seen, she’s shown confidence finishing around the rim and stepping into mid-range looks from the wing and elbow. If she continues to build on that and adds some strength, she’s going to surprise a lot of people with what she can do offensively.
But what might surprise people even more is her mindset on defense. She actually enjoys defending. She likes to block shots, she moves her feet well, and she plays with energy on that end. If Beth Burns can help get her dialed into USC’s defensive system, Milton has the chance to become an elite defensive presence—and that’s something nobody is really expecting from this team right now. That alone could make her one of the biggest surprises of the season.
USC doesn’t need Milton to be a primary scorer. They need someone who brings energy, rebounds hard, runs the floor, and does the little things that swing games. From what I saw at practice and reading the notes provided by Real Run LA this summer, she’s showing she can absolutely be that player—and possibly a lot more.
Bottom line: Yakiya Milton isn’t here to replace anyone—she’s carving her own path. With her natural athleticism, a smooth offensive touch, and a real interest in becoming a high-level defender, she’s one of the most intriguing pieces on USC’s roster this season. And if things click? She’s going to definitely turn some heads. Leave your thoughts below!!
