USC basketball: Trojans get verbal commit from ex-Wake Forest guard

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J.T. Terrell, a former Wake Forest guard who is currently enrolled at junior college, verbally committed to transfer to USC on Wednesday afternoon, according to multiple sources close to the situation who were not authorized to speak on the record.

Terrell, a 6-foot-3, 175-pound guard, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining beginning in 2012-13. He was considered one of the top high school guard recruits in 2010 and is arguably the top overall junior college prospect nationally this year.

He’s expected to sign on Nov. 9, the first day of the fall signing period. He would be a great boost for a team that this season has zero seniors in its rotation. He’s noted for his athleticism and three-point shooting ability.

At Wake Forest in 2010-11, he played in 32 games as a freshman and was second on the team in scoring (11.1 points per game). He also ranked second on the team in assists (1.6)) and fourth in steals (0.7).

He scored in double figures in 16 games, including three games of 20 or more points. His 32 points on Nov. 11 against Iowa, a game in which he made seven of 11 three-point shots, were a season-high for an Atlantic Coast Conference freshman.

He left Wake Forest in September. He was arrested days before he withdrew and charged with driving while impaired, according to a statement his attorney issued through the school.

It’s fair to assume that one major reason Terrell committed to USC is because of Trojans junior forward Ari Stewart, who also transferred from Wake Forest to USC. The two were teammates at Wake Forest in 2010-11 and Stewart was Terrell’s host on his official visit to USC’s campus last weekend, sources said.

Terrell is considered a top college prospect at West Charlotte High School (N.C.). According to his bio at Wake Forest, ESPN ranked him as the No. 14 shooting guard nationally as a senior and the No. 49th overall prospect.

This season, Terrell is expected to play at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Wash. He was also being recruited by Memphis, Washington, Gonzaga and Rutgers, sources said.

-- Baxter Holmes