Metu is extending his range
Chimezie Metu has been developing and demonstrating a new skill, one USC’s basketball team hopes to extract value from in the coming weeks. The 6-foot-11 junior forward has started shooting threepointers, and shooting them pretty well.
In scoring a career-high 31 points, Metu converted on three of five three-point attempts in a 98-87 victory over UC Santa Barbara on Sunday at Galen Center.
Before that, he had tried a total of 10 in 78 college games, and never more than two in a game.
“They felt good,” Metu said. “They’re probably not going to be my last couple.”
With injuries sidelining Bennie Boatwright (foot) and Derryck Thornton (shoulder), and with De’Anthony Melton being held out as a precaution while the FBI investigates allegations pertaining to suspended USC assistant Tony Bland, the Trojans need offense from alternate sources.
So, in the low-pressure environment of winterbreak home games against lesser opponents, Metu was more than willing to try his new shot.
“We want him taking good ones,” senior guard Jordan McLaughlin said, “which he has.”
The skill could also render Metu more attractive to NBA teams.
“I’ve been working on it all summer, and even after games and before and after practices,” Metu said. “I try to get in there and get a lot of reps up, just so I’m more comfortable shooting in the game.”
Metu’s next opportunity comes Tuesday against Ivy League visitor Princeton. The game, USC’s 10th of the season, will mark the conclusion of the Trojans’ nonconference slate on the lower 48.
After Tuesday, they’ll fly to Hawaii for the Diamond Head Classic, a medium-tier holiday tournament. Upon their return, Pac-12 Conference play will begin.
Though he looks forward to testing his range, Metu said he still derives greater pleasure from slamming home a dunk than swishing a three-pointer. That’s his game.
“I’m still a dunker at heart,” he said. “I’m probably never gonna shoot a three in transition.”
Metu was then reminded by McLaughlin that he already had, on a first-half buzzer-beater last season against Arizona State.
Metu laughed, the record corrected. Before last month, that was the only three-pointer he had made.
USC TONIGHT
VS. PRINCETON When: 8. Where: Galen Center. On the air: TV: Pac-12 Networks; Radio: 710. Update: USC (6-3) left a lot to be desired on defense Sunday during its win against UC Santa Barbara. In the second half, the Gauchos scored 54 points, 12 more than the Trojans’ season-opening opponent, Cal State Fullerton, managed in a full game. Boatwright, a junior forward, missed Sunday’s game because of a wart on his foot, but he could play Tuesday. Princeton (4-6) has eight players averaging at least 12 minutes a game this season, none taller than 6-8. The Tigers beat Cal Poly 80-60 on Saturday.