That was quick: Chevez Goodwin details timing, decision to transfer to Southern Cal
In an ideal world, Chevez Goodwin would have taken his time and visited potential schools before making a decision where to play his final season of college basketball.
But for players like Goodwin and others in the NCAA transfer portal, that wasn’t the case. With the coronavirus shutting down things across the country, recruiting has taken a different turn over the past month.
In-home visits from coaches were replaced by FaceTime or Zoom video chats. On-campus visits are replaced by virtual tours through facilities and dorms.
Still, Goodwin is happy with his decision after committing to play at Southern Cal for his senior season. He played the past three seasons (sitting out one) at Wofford after transferring from College of Charleston.
Goodwin is a grad transfer and can play right away for Southern Cal. He is one of three grad transfers the Trojans are bringing in next season, joining Santa Clara guard Tahj Eddy and Utah Valley guard Isaiah White.
Goodwin’s choice came just five days after announcing he would seek a transfer. He picked the Trojans over Xavier, Georgia, Houston and Arkansas. In-state schools Clemson and South Carolina never reached out to the former Hammond High School standout.
“Didn’t think it was going this quick,” Goodwin said Tuesday. “But you see guys committing quickly and you know you couldn’t take forever because you might get those offers pulled from you.
“I wish I could have taken a visit, but you can get a good feel of the school by looking at online and other things so you can make a decision.”
Goodwin has never been to Los Angeles before but saw different videos of campus and athletic facilities when researching his choice. The quickest he would be able to get to campus would be early June if schools are open again.
Goodwin consulted with several people before deciding, including former Spring Valley star Jordan Bruner as well as Jarrell Brantley, who played at Ridge View High School, College of Charleston and is on a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz.
Bruner, like Goodwin, is a grad transfer and narrowed down his choices to Alabama, Baylor and Maryland on Tuesday in a post on his Instagram account.
Goodwin said two of the factors in making his decision were USC’s communications department. He interned with WSPA in Spartanburg and wants to pursue a career in broadcasting either in front of or behind the camera once his playing days are done. Being in Los Angeles would help with that pursuit.
Goodwin also liked the Trojans’ up-tempo style of play.
“They get really up and down and on offense they utilize their bigs,” Goodwin said. “The big thing, they really wanted me. They have a plan for me and a future for me. It is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Goodwin averaged 11.9 points and 6.2 rebounds this past season for the Terriers. He had a career-high 27 points against VMI on Feb. 5.
In high school, Goodwin teamed with Seventh Woods, who is at South Carolina and the two helped the Skyhawks to the 2015 SCISA Class 3A championship.
