Showing posts with label USC Trojans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USC Trojans. Show all posts

Sunday, July 29, 2012

USC Adds Connecticut Guard

In May, Capital Prep (CT) point guard Kahlil Dukes announced that Lehigh and Southern California would be in his top five when he decided to put together his list.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Selby Deserves Some POY Hype

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell

Before December 18, many fans in Lawrence, Kansas, screamed "Free Selby" referring to the NCAA suspension that sidelined their combo guard for nine games.

When asked about his freshman, Head Coach Bill Self would always sound enthused about Josh Selby making his debut as a Kansas Jayhawk.

Many pegged Selby as the best guard in the 2010 class, and possibly best overall. However, nobody expected him to have such a breakout performance in his season debut.

The Kansas Jayhawks (9-0) figured out the wait for their prized freshman was well worth it, as Selby turned in a 21-point effort that led them to victory.

Selby nailed 5-of-8 three pointers, as well as grabbing five boards in the win. Not to mention, the 6-foot-2 Baltimore native showed maturity nailing, what would be, the game-winning three against the USC Trojans.

Selby played terrific all game, and granted it was one game but his ability to shoot the ball, and as Coach Self before, bail them out on offense is beneficial.

The Jayhawks had a tough time fighting off the pesky Trojans, but Selby made it possible.

Sure, Selby will have to prove he can consistently put up Player of the Year type numbers on the nations third ranked team. He will also have to display leadership, and lead Kansas to an impressive finish in the Big 12 conference.

The 6-foot-2 combo guard will most likely be inserted in the starting lineup once Kansas faces off against the (6-4) Cal Bears.

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Monday, December 13, 2010

Enosch Wolf and Josh Selby Set to Debut

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell
When both the Kansas Jayhawks (9-0) and UConn Huskies (8-0) strapped up for the first time this season, both respective teams were missing a crucial piece to their roster.

Josh Selby, the No. 1 regarded athlete according to Rivals, could certainly commend the Morris twins talents down low.

Not to mention, giving the Jayhawks a slashing guard that can attack the basket, and finish games down the stretch.

Selby is set to debut December 18, 2010 at 12 PM ET when Kansas takes on the USC Trojans (6-4).

The Jayhawks need someone to take charge of their offense that struggles without a natural point guard. If Selby can be that guy, Kansas could be in contention for another title this year.

Head coach Bill Self has seen steady progression from junior Tyshawn Taylor, so I wouldn't expect to see Selby in the starting lineup right away, although it wouldn't be surprising if he was given the nod.

Right now, the Jayhawks miss Sherron Collins. Despite being the best passing team in the nation, dishing out 20 assist per game, Kansas has trouble taking care of the ball.

During their last game against Colorado State, the Jayhawks turned the ball over 17 times, 11 coming from the guards.

The Memphis Tigers also forced Kansas' guards into 11 turnovers, and 20 overall. Selby isn't know for being a complete point guard, which scares most, but he is a sure ball handler.

Selby can act carelessly with the ball, as does the active Kansas guards, but that can be curbed with more experience.

UConn is also looking forward to welcoming in a talented big man. Last year, Enosch Wolf, a 7-foot-1 center from Germany committed to UConn leaving fans happy about the what he could bring to the team.

After a long wait, Wolf is set to join the team at the end of semester, which is December 18th. Meaning, the German native could suit up for the Huskies December 20th when UConn takes on Coppin State at 7 PM ET.

Despite being one of the better rebounding teams in the nation, Wolf will definitely add a lot of length to UConn's frontline, as well as a defensive presence.

Head coach Jim Calhoun has the luxury of embracing one of the best players in the country in Kemba Walker, but Wolf will certainly help him out on offense.

The Huskies rely so much on their guards without much help from their frontcourt players. Alex Oriahki has been an consistent player for the Huskies and with Wolf alongside, UConn could create a dynamic duo down low.

Not to mention, Wolf is a player that can create offense outside of the paint with his ability to pull up and hit the mid range jumper.

He also has the ability to pass out the post if the double-team comes, and extra bulk helps him continue his dominance on the glass.

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Thursday, December 2, 2010

Clemson Forward Noel Johnson Will Transfer

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell
Noel Johnson came to Clemson to fill their void on the wing, or hopefully help it.

He didn't play a lot last year, and only logged 14.8 minutes per game, but many expected him to improve during his sophomore year at Clemson with Trevor Booker out of the way.

However, his minutes have reduced (13.1 mpg), mostly due to his lack of contribution.

He currently shoots 27 percent from the field, a 62 percent free-throw shooter, and nails 21 percent of his three-point attempts.

Johnson has the ability to ignite a team on the wing, and is very disappointed at his play through seven games. His answer to the problem is transferring schools.

According to reports, the Clemson Tigers 6-foot-6 small forward has decided he would transfer schools with no hard feelings.

Johnson initially wanted to attend the University of Southern California but changed his mind and gave the Tigers the nod. However, that hasn't worked in his favor, which could be a positive for the USC Trojans.

Johnson could be a key asset for a Trojans team that need a dynamic wing threat.

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Sunday, October 3, 2010

James Blasczyk Continues His Basketball Career With USC

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell
Thus far, the USC Trojans have been in the news for their NCAA sanctions. Some believe the sanctions are harsh, but it doesn't seem to slow down the schools recruiting efforts.

Head Coach Kevin O'Neill received his third verbal commitment of the 2011 recruiting class.

James Blasczyk, a 7-foot center played his freshman season with the Texas A&M Aggies. He averaged two minutes per game, while pulling down one rebound.

After that outing, Blasczyk redshirted before transferring to a junior college to play basketball.

Blasczyk isn't extremely athletic, but he is an upgrade to USC frontcourt. His 7-foot frame is a plus to any frontcourt. Not to mention, his rebounding and shot blocking ability will advance under coaching from Kevin O'Neill.

Blasczyk will join Byron Wesley, DeWayne Dedmon, Taylor King and Alexis Moore in USC 2011 recruiting class.

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Friday, September 10, 2010

Peter Aguilar adds three schools, Interested in USC?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell
Peter Aguilar picked up interest from three schools. His last top three featured Fordham, Long Island University and Hofstra. This time around, more schools started to take notice and his recruitment opened up as a result.He said, Canisius, North Carolina State and Iowa all expressed interest in landing the 6-foot-2 guard.

However, he isn't going to pick his school until he is comfortable with the programs recruiting him. Temple, the school his father attended, is one of the schools Aguilar plans to visit. Not to mention, USC has recently gained Aguilar's interest.


"I'm also trying to reach out to USC. That is one of my dream schools," Aguilar said.

With that said, many of schools will have the chance to land the potent scoring guard from New York. Despite the interest of the recent schools, and personal favorites USC and Temple, Aguilar’s recruitment is wide open.


"I have a long way before I pick my school," Aguilar said.

Nonetheless, a shooting guard that can score the ball on every possession doesn't run many college coaches away. Whatever program lands Aguilar will receive a steal in the 2011 class.

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Sunday, August 1, 2010

Leonard Washington to Wyoming a Good Fit?

Posted by CoHoops DeAnte Mitchell
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images 
Whatever the case may have been, Leonard Washington couldn't stay on the basketball court for a full season.  As soon as he threw on a USC jersey, ten games later he had an ankle injury that sidelined him for five games.

Last season, he couldn't play the first ten games because he had been academically ineligible.

Once he did get on the court he still didn't contribute a lot. Most people blamed it on his arrant attitude.

In fact, he is widely remembered for his unpleasant sportsmanship against the Oklahoma Sooners. During his freshman year, in-game, he decided to hit now-NBA rookie Blake Griffin with a low blow.

Either way, the day after the 2009-10 season capped Washington had been dismissed from the team. All season it was whispered that he would potentially transfer not be dismissed. It didn't startle the Trojans but it did stun Washington.

Being an athlete with a vile attitude didn't charm many college programs. However, Wyoming nabbed the risk of acquiring a player of his caliber. It's a risk well taken.

Although Washington may come off as a class act I don't believe he is that bad. I mean we are talking about a very good wing threat.

The 6-foot-7 forward has the ability to create havoc on the wing. He isn't the shooting type but his ability to take defenders off the dribble and finish strong around the rim definitely brings another dimension to the Cowboys.

Wyoming can now celebrate because Washington is a perfect fit. Being somewhere he is happy will certainly change the way he approaches the game.

I'm predicting double-figure scoring in almost every game next season with the Cowboys.

With Afam Muojeke returning from injury, Desmar Jackson and Adam Wadell on next season's roster I expect the Cowboys to be players in the Mountain West Conference.

Last season they finished (3-13) in the Mountain West Conference along with a (10-21) overall record. nevertheless with Washington and the tandem of players that returned I know they will do better than that.

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