Staff Directory
Boykins, Earl
Earl Boykins
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
Earl Boykins, a 13-year NBA veteran and one of the most respected player development minds in college basketball, enters his first season as an assistant coach at USC. He was hired on May 30, 2025, joining head coach Eric Musselman’s staff as they head into their second season competing in the Big Ten Conference.
Boykins reunites with Musselman at USC as the two share a long-standing connection that dates back to 1999 when Musselman was an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic and Boykins was just beginning his professional career. Boykins later played for him during the 2002–03 NBA season with the Golden State Warriors, when Musselman served as head coach.
One of the most inspirational figures in basketball history, Boykins defied expectations at every level. Standing at 5’5, he enjoyed a successful NBA career that spanned more than a decade, playing in over 650 games with teams including the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards. Known for his elite quickness, scoring ability, and leadership, Boykins totaled nearly 5,800 points and more than 2,000 assists during his NBA career. He also played internationally, leading Virtus Bologna to a EuroChallenge Cup championship in 2009.
Most recently, Boykins served as an assistant coach at UTEP from 2021-25, where he played a critical role in building a competitive culture. Under his guidance, the Miners recorded multiple winning seasons and reached the Conference USA Championship Game in 2024. That season, UTEP ranked among the national leaders in steals and turnovers forced per game, a testament to Boykins’ defensive coaching and attention to detail. His work earned him an invitation to the 2024 TopConnect Basketball Symposium, which spotlights rising stars in the coaching profession.
Prior to UTEP, Boykins served on Musselman’s staff at Arkansas as the director of student-athlete development, helping the Razorbacks reach the Elite Eight in the 2020–21 season.
Before Arkansas, Boykins was an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic in the 2019 NBA Summer League.
Boykins began his coaching career in 2013 at Douglas County High School in Colorado, where he took over a winless program and guided it to three consecutive playoff appearances. His ability to connect with young players and inspire confidence quickly became his trademark.
Before the pros, Boykins was a standout guard at Eastern Michigan University from 1994 to 1998. As a senior, he was the second-leader scorer in the nation, averaging 26.8 points per game and was named the recipient of the 1998 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, given to the nation’s top player under 6 feet tall. He was a two-time All-MAC First Teamer and earned All-America Honorable Mention honors. As one of the most decorated players in EMU history, his No. 11 jersey was retired by the school in recognition of his impact on the program.
Boykins is a 1998 graduate of Eastern Michigan with a degree in communications.
Boykins reunites with Musselman at USC as the two share a long-standing connection that dates back to 1999 when Musselman was an assistant coach with the Orlando Magic and Boykins was just beginning his professional career. Boykins later played for him during the 2002–03 NBA season with the Golden State Warriors, when Musselman served as head coach.
One of the most inspirational figures in basketball history, Boykins defied expectations at every level. Standing at 5’5, he enjoyed a successful NBA career that spanned more than a decade, playing in over 650 games with teams including the Los Angeles Clippers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards. Known for his elite quickness, scoring ability, and leadership, Boykins totaled nearly 5,800 points and more than 2,000 assists during his NBA career. He also played internationally, leading Virtus Bologna to a EuroChallenge Cup championship in 2009.
Most recently, Boykins served as an assistant coach at UTEP from 2021-25, where he played a critical role in building a competitive culture. Under his guidance, the Miners recorded multiple winning seasons and reached the Conference USA Championship Game in 2024. That season, UTEP ranked among the national leaders in steals and turnovers forced per game, a testament to Boykins’ defensive coaching and attention to detail. His work earned him an invitation to the 2024 TopConnect Basketball Symposium, which spotlights rising stars in the coaching profession.
Prior to UTEP, Boykins served on Musselman’s staff at Arkansas as the director of student-athlete development, helping the Razorbacks reach the Elite Eight in the 2020–21 season.
Before Arkansas, Boykins was an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic in the 2019 NBA Summer League.
Boykins began his coaching career in 2013 at Douglas County High School in Colorado, where he took over a winless program and guided it to three consecutive playoff appearances. His ability to connect with young players and inspire confidence quickly became his trademark.
Before the pros, Boykins was a standout guard at Eastern Michigan University from 1994 to 1998. As a senior, he was the second-leader scorer in the nation, averaging 26.8 points per game and was named the recipient of the 1998 Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award, given to the nation’s top player under 6 feet tall. He was a two-time All-MAC First Teamer and earned All-America Honorable Mention honors. As one of the most decorated players in EMU history, his No. 11 jersey was retired by the school in recognition of his impact on the program.
Boykins is a 1998 graduate of Eastern Michigan with a degree in communications.
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