2009-2010 USC Predictions
2008-09 Record: (22-13, 9-9 Pac-10)
Coach: Kevin O’Neill (1st year)
Assistants: Gib Arnold, Bob Cantu, Phil Johnson
Ret. Starters/Lost: 2/3

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Overview: Disaster struck at USC after three players left for the NBA Draft, Tim Floyd resigned after a pending NCAA investigation and most of the recruits who Floyd signed or verballed, signed elsewhere. So the challenge for journeyman coach Kevin O’Neill is just to keep a competitive team on the court. O’Neill does have some talent, even after losing star DeMar Derozan (13.9ppg) to the NBA along with center Taj Gibson(14.3ppg, 9rpg). At guard, Dwight Lewis (6-5, 215) is one of the only returners with experience and will have to carry the load. Last year, he averaged 14.4ppg and 3.3rpg. Junior Marcus Simmons (6-6, 200) also returns and will have to do more than just be a defensive specialist this season. Sophomore Percy Miller (Master P’s son), should also get some minutes this year at the point. Charlotte transfer Mike Gerrity (6-1, 180) will be eligible after eight games and should immediately help at the point. Up front, there are more issues. Sophomore Leonard Washington (6-7, 230), who averaged 6.1ppg and 4.2rpg will have to step up. Sophomore Nikola Vucevic (6-10, 220) adds skills on the perimeter and has the size to rebound and perform in the paint. The big key will be getting transfer Alex Stepheson (6-9, 235) from North Carolina. Junior Kasey Cunningham’s (6-7, 225) career has been curt short due to knee injuries. As of press time, USC was down to seven players.

Outlook: The big key for O’Neill is finding enough players to practice. It will be ugly this season for USC, as they’ll get give up some size and depth. Thank you Tim Floyd.

This PAC 10 conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college basketball betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com