I know it's been a popular position around here to bash on U$C's basketball program, particularly in light of the lavish media attention it has been receiving recently.  However, as much as it kills me to say, it's time to acknowledge that the Trojans are actually a pretty good team this year and are a program on the rise.

After we narrowly escaped the Galen Center with a win after a rather sub-par performance (and I don't buy the excuse that Shipp was out of the lineup), there was a lot of talk within this community about how $C "sucks" and don't deserve the hype they were receiving.  But in all fairness, I watched that game and the Filthy Swine of Troy actually looked like a very talented team playing with heart and energy.  I recognize that my comments probably border on blasphemy, but it's pure myopia to suggest that $C hasn't at least "narrowed the gap" between their program and ours.  

Now, following $C's victory over Arizona last night and their other quality wins this season, I think we need to at least accept the fact that $C is an improved team and has to be considered a viable contender in the Pac-10 this year.  Which in my mind, just makes the victories over $C all the more satisfying.  And it makes trips to the LA area that much more intimidating for the other Pac-10 schools.