Trojans are healthier but out of sync
USC is getting back basketball players who were injured ahead of Texas Tech matchup.
It took two games for the USC men’s basketball team to feature a lineup that wasn’t riddled with injuries. The Trojans still were not healthy during their victory over Stetson on Wednesday, with sophomore guard Chuck O’Bannon recovering from pinkie surgery.
Coach Andy Enfield estimated the team had at least 10 players at practice four times during the preseason. Often, only six or eight Trojans participated.
“Everybody was hurt or out,” Enfield said. “Some guys had pink eye, some had ankle injuries, knee, you name it.”
USC (2-1) plays Texas Tech (3-0) in the Hall of Fame Classic on Monday in Kansas City, Mo., with restored health, but some players have only a game under their belt and sparse practice time. Their unfamiliarity has translated into competition.
“We’d call play No. 1, or 2 or 3, they knew what it was,” Enfield said of the players last season. “Now, when I call play one, two or three, two or three of them look at me like, ‘What’s that again, Coach?’ ”
With Bennie Boatwright recently returned after nine months out because of a knee injury, Enfield had to start four guards in USC’s three games. Boatwright made his debut against Stetson off the bench, contributing 16 points, including four three-point baskets, and four rebounds.
Guard Elijah Weaver also made his debut Wednesday after recovering from an ankle injury suffered in August, rounding out a freshman class that contributed 27 of USC’s 95 points.
Enfield’s newfound freedom to use a larger lineup comes against a Texas Tech team that has earned a rebounding margin of 15, compared to USC’s 5.7.
The Trojans scored 48 points in the paint and outrebounded Stetson 46-38, but lack depth in the frontcourt behind Boatwright, who played 18 minutes Wednesday. And they allowed the Hatters 16 offensive rebounds, which became 15 second-chance points.
The Hall of Fame Classic leaves little room for error. After Texas Tech, USC faces Nebraska or Missouri State in the championship or consolation game Tuesday.
“These are NCAA tournament teams,” Enfield said.
USC knows what it must do to contend — defend aggressively, start playing fast, win the rebounding battles, take advantage of the mental toughness built by health frustrations.
And make up for lost time.
TONIGHT
VS. TEXAS TECH When: 6:30 PST. Where: Sprint Center, Kansas City, Mo. On the air: TV: ESPN2; Radio: KROC 1110AM. Update: The Trojans face a Texas Tech team that has outscored opponents by 33.7 points per game. Jarrett Culver leads the Red Raiders with 16.3 points per game and Norense Odiase averages 10.0 rebounds.