2008 USC Trojans Hoops Preview

Say good-bye to O.J. Mayo, and hello to DeMar DeRozan, then add a distinctive hip-hop beat in the background, courtesy of the most celebrated USC basketball recruit of them all, Romeo — formerly known as Lil’ Romeo, son of rap mogul Master P.

Mayo, the classic one-and-done college recruit, stopped by long enough to lead the Trojans in scoring and flash his eye-popping ability a year ago, before leaving as the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft. Coach Tim Floyd’s club, after going 25–12 and reaching the Sweet 16 the previous year without O.J., had a 21–12 record with him and was knocked out in the first round by Kansas State and its one-year wonder, Michael Beasley.

Now it’s time to see if DeRozan, a 6'7" freshman from Compton and another likely one-and-done player, can make even more of an impact. Already, there are scouts who believe he’ll be among the best freshmen in the country and will be a top 5 selection in the next NBA Draft. At USC, he’ll be joined by another freshman who is touted for different reasons. Percy Romeo Miller, better known in music and entertainment circles as the actor and rapper Romeo, supposedly will be competing for a job in the backcourt, although most believe his presence on the Trojans roster is more directly related to his status as DeRozan’s best friend.

Either way, the two new hyped freshmen, along with Leonard Washington, a much-traveled 20-year-old, 6'8" first-year player, will join a surprisingly deep squad that is not without talent. You begin with Taj Gibson, a 6'9" junior who should be among the Pac-10’s best big men. Dwight Lewis is a 6'5" guard who averaged 10.8 points a year ago, and Daniel Hackett is a 6'5" junior who consistently energizes the offense when he’s on the court. Throw in Marcus Simmons, Kasey Cunningham and Mamadou Diarra, all of whom were injured for most of last season, and this could be a formidable group.

“We like our athleticism and hope we have improved our rebounding and point guard play,” says Floyd. “We feel like we have a chance to surprise because of the injured players we return.” 

Frontcourt

Gibson has the ability, but he needs to be more assertive. He averaged 10.8 points to go along with his 7.8 rebounds, but he has the talent to raise both those numbers significantly. Defensively, he plays bigger than 6'9" and is a formidable presence blocking shots in the paint. He and DeRozan, who’ll be stationed on the wing, have two of the three starting positions locked up.

Floyd is hopeful that Washington, who has the body of an NBA power forward, can provide additional scoring on the block. Keith Wilkinson is a senior who knows how to play, while Diarra is a 7-footer who can back up Gibson. Cunningham showed glimpses of ability before he was hurt.

Then there is useful senior RouSean Cromwell and Nikola Vucevic, a 6'10" freshman from Montenegro who has a chance to contribute.

Backcourt

Hackett and Lewis probably will open as the starters. Hackett is a slashing point guard and the team’s best returning passer. Lewis is more athletic and a superior scorer.

Donte Smith, a junior college transfer, is another guard Floyd seems to like. Then there is Simmons, a 6'6" sophomore who showed some ability before he was injured a year ago. Neither Miller nor James Dunleavy, a redshirt freshman and son of Clippers’ coach Mike Dunleavy, figures to see much action. Angelo Johnson left the team over the summer, reportedly because Floyd would not guarantee him a starting assignment.

Final Analysis

Floyd knows how to win games, and this team has talent. It is not, however, likely to contend for a Pac-10 championship, not as long as UCLA continues to dominate both in L.A. and nationally.

If DeRozan is as skilled as most scouts say, scoring points shouldn’t be a problem for the Trojans. The key will be how well the always defense-conscious Floyd can mold this group into playing well at that end of the court. Gibson, as gifted a shot-blocker as there is in the conference, will be the one to watch. If he can play up to his considerable potential, USC could challenge for second place in the conference and surprise come tournament time.