Two USC players line up for the NBA draft


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With the NBA Draft taking place on Thursday, the Trojans have two players who hope to take the next step and play in the NBA.

Guard Julian Jacobs and forward Nikola Jovanovic will forego their final years of eligibility and pursue a spot on a professional roster, though both appear to be late second round selections at best after neither received an invitation to the draft combine last month.

Jacobs averaged 11.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists last season, starting every game for the Trojans, who will miss his athleticism, defensive prowess and ability to run the offense. As of Sunday, Jacobs, who has worked out with the Indiana Pacers, ranked 94th on DraftExpress’ list of Top 100 Prospects.

Jovanovic appears to be lower on the rung than Jacobs, though he did work out with the Detroit Pistons, according to the Detroit Free Press. The forward averaged 12.1 points and seven rebounds as a starter. A big man who can stretch the floor with his jump shot, Jovanovic’s strengths are well-suited for today’s NBA game.

Jacobs and Jovanovic will hope to become the first Trojans selected in the draft since 2011, when Nikola Vucevic was chosen in the first round by the Philadelphia 76ers.

The draft will be Thursday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and it will be broadcast on ESPN starting at 4 p.m.