"Ninety-six percent of our scoring came from freshmen and sophomores," USC coach Tim Floyd said after the Trojans were eliminated from the NCAA tournament after an 80-67 first-round loss to Kansas State. "We have a lot to look forward to."
As good as it sounds, the equation might be entirely different. Star freshman O.J. Mayo (20.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg) turned pro. He was projected as an NBA draft lottery pick, and seemed certain to leave before he arrived.
Fellow freshman Davon Jefferson (12.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg) also is expected to seriously consider the NBA, as is sophomore post Taj Gibson (10.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg).
Jefferson, a 6-7 forward, suggested he didn't have a decision to make. "Not really. Finish school," he said.
Likewise, Gibson claimed to be focusing on other things.
"Right now I just want to get back to my team and just worry about this whole process of taking this early loss and get back to school," he said.
Then there's Floyd, who has repeatedly said USC will be his last job. Because of his ties to Louisiana and the job opening at LSU, not everyone takes him at his word.
USC athletic director Mike Garrett is taking it in stride.
"I'm always of the opinion that if someone doesn't want to be at SC, they shouldn't be there," Garrett said. "I know he likes our place and we're receptive. I just don't worry about it.
"I won't discuss his contract, but he's well taken care of. Money is not the object, it's chemistry, and I think we have it."
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
Well, the "one and done" era of the NCAA basketball is going to see a lot more of this garbage. A highly touted athlete, who could go pro, but now goes one year to a school, only to screw his school by accepting "promissory notes" to pro agents.
Not only does Reggie Bush have to testify about his similar situation, but now OJ Mayo is "outed.&quo
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Hey guys, I'm trying to set up a sim league starting next season, where a simulator plays out the game and gives you realistic scores and stuff, and your Trojans are still available! If you are interested or have any questions feel free to e-mail me at dosegorillaz@aim.com.
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Hi all... i was lucky enough to garner the honor of Posting the USC v. KSU 100 word Memory... I am behind and seek first your review of the Site and YOUR vote IF you think I am worthy of going on to the USC v. Wisc Topic likely later in the WEEKEND
Topic will change to a more game specific one likely!! I have USC over Wisc and would like a chance to show what I got!!
how the hell are you gonna 'reward us' with a 6 seed only to open the first round with Beasley & KSU in OMAHA? i'd much rather have taken a 7 seed out west instead. it's always nice to play a lower seeded team with a superstar and home court advantage.
