All that USC Coach Tim Floyd wants is a spot in the tournament: “Get yourself to the NCAA Tournament and make something happen.” Those words, spoken among USC’s numerous National Championship trophies in Heritage Hall, couldn’t be any truer.
In a conference that has contributed the most NCAA tournament teams over the last two seasons, USC is primed to make a run for a top seed.
It won't be easy, though. Standing in Southern California’s way is not only UCLA’s number one recruiting class, but also a Pac-10 full of contenders. Talent is not hard to find in the Pac-10, and ‘SC is at a disadvantage in pure talent recruiting.
Last year, USC placed fourth in the nation’s strongest basketball conference. This year, though, the 18th-ranked Trojans hope to make a run not just for a tournament bid, but the whole conference championship.
Last year, O.J. Mayo led the Trojans to the Pac-10 Semifinals, only to lose by three points. He was disappointing in the NCAA Tournament, failing to bring his team a victory. Fans hoped for another year out of the top wingman—surely Mayo yearned for another shot at the championship. After all, you can only play college ball once.
But what seems to be tough luck for ‘SC fans truly is a blessing in disguise.
Enter DeMar DeRozan. Filling in for the departed Mayo, DeRozan is hailed by teammates as the consummate team player. Spending most of last year watching the Trojans practice and play, he is extremely prepared mentally for ‘SC basketball.
His teammates praise his work ethic and athletic ability. His coach lauds him as more athletic than Mayo and echoes the praise of his teammates.
Not to mention, DeMar brings with him best friend Percy Miller, better known as “Romeo” to the common public. Romeo doesn’t seem to have the skills to start in the Pac-10—and some even doubt his ability to compete at the D-I level—but at least we know the sideline entertainment will improve.
USC’s hope doesn’t end with DeRozan. Several players are just as key to Southern Cal’s success.
Returning big man Taj Gibson is bound to play a big role in the team’s Pac-10 championship hopes, as he attempts to improve on his 10 points and eight rebounds per game. His leadership as a junior will prove essential to keeping the team together and helping DeRozan develop.
Alex Stepheson, a defensive machine who transferred from UNC Chapel Hill, will also play a role.
Two players to especially watch out for are Marcus Simmons and Leonard Washington. Simmons, who missed last season with an injury, was originally considered by Floyd to be a potential starter as a freshman. Washington, who finally arrives at ‘SC after a year of academic ineligibility, provides a strong inside presence for the Trojans.
The Trojans look hopeful to compete in the strong Pac-10 despite strong recruiting by other teams, namely UCLA, thanks to the multitude of returning players.
Their recent exhibition victory against Azuza Pacific showed the potential for a Trojan team concentrated on a full team effort. DeRozan, even while showing complete unselfishness in his game play, managed to score 21 points and grab seven rebounds. Taj Gibson showed his experience with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
If this strong team play continues, the season looks bright for the Southern California Trojan basketball team.
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about 1 month ago
Good article. I like USC and I think Gibson and Daniel Hackett are underrated and could end up All-PAC-10. The PAC-10 might be down in "star power" but I think the teams are going to be better.
Do you think Miller will have Lil' Romeo on his jersey??
from about 1 month ago
Hah doubtful. I've encountered him around campus a few times, and as much as he likes to make everyone aware of his presense, it seems like he takes his basketball seriously. That, and the team atmosphere Floyd tries to promote would be killed by that sort of individualism. And, as anyone will tell you, its Romeo now, no more "Lil"
about 1 month ago
I like USC to finish third in the Pac-10 this year. I think ASU and UCLA are in a class above everybody else. Then USC kind of falls in between those two schools and the weaker half of the conference.
I'm a big fan of Taj Gibson. He's a great defender despite being undersized.
from about 1 month ago
I think 3rd is the safe pick, but USC did give ASU a good run last year, and has the chance to be in second. Taj Gibson is a great defender, and should be helped out big time by Leonard Washington down in the post.
about 1 month ago
great article Mitchell! I think USC will be better than last year because Hackett will be healthier, jefferson a year older as well as a lot of the younger guys and I think Mayo being suck a ball hog at times hurt USC who before Mayo was a team all about ball movement and passing to the open player. Mayo is a great talent but his game is made for the NBA.
Derozan is awesome and I think he will be better than Mayo was... I think he will average 20-22 points a game this year and near double digit rebounds... not as good of a shooter as Mayo but overall USC will be better I think. Joe Lunardi on ESPN did his first "bracketology" today where he is predicting the season and what the brackets will look like and he has USC as a 8 seed playing ST. Mary's opening round... I think USC will be more like a 6 maybe 7 seed.
from about 1 month ago
Definitely more than an 8th seed the way I see the season progressing. For a team that was able to beat both UCLA and ASU last year at least once, even with a ballhog like Mayo, the team-first philosophy should give them even more upset wins. After all, it's harder to beat a team that throws the ball around rather than focus on defending one wannabe superstar. If USC can prove their AP no. 18 ranking to be rightfully earned, they will be more than even a 6 seed. I doubt they go as high as 3, but 4-5 is definitely within reach if certain big games go USC's way
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