THE GOOD NEWS
One of the nation's elite recruits, DeMar DeRozan, a 6-foot-6 swingman from Compton High, arrives on campus in the fall. If any of the Trojans' top three scorers opts to return, the talent level will be substantially boosted.

THE BAD NEWS
Despite his constant disclaimers that he has interest in going anywhere, coach Tim Floyd continues to face rumors he will be a candidate for the job vacancy at LSU. The potential is high that USC could be hit hard by player defections to the NBA.

KEY RETURNEES
It all depends. As many as three Trojans could have left early for the NBA -- O.J. Mayo is gone as is Davon Jefferson -- but Taj Gibson returns. Guards Daniel Hackett (8.6 ppg) and Dwight Lewis (10.8 ppg) also return.

ROSTER REPORT

--In his final college game, freshman O.J. Mayo scored 20 points on 6-for-16 shooting, and had five assists against Kansas State. He didn't say afterward he is on his way out, but the 6-foot-5 guard wore socks sporting the NBA logo.

--Freshman Davon Jefferson surprised some with his decision to remain in the NBA draft. Jefferson was projected to be a second-round pick, which means his first pro contract wouldn't be guaranteed, but instead went undrafted.

--Taj Gibson, assigned to defend freshman Michael Beasley, was in early foul trouble and wound up with 10 points, nine rebounds and three blocks before fouling out.

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