MSNBC writer thinks Southern Cal. has better chance at NT than UCLA

by MbahABako on Jul 15, 2007 5:13 PM PDT

Hey everyone here at BN -- I've been reading since inception but just now registered an account. Specifically, I was reading through some stuff on MSNBC's website, and came upon this little gem by Ken Davis. He's predicting his top five teams that have a chance at next year's Men's BB National Championship. Check out which team is at #5:

5. Southern California. The Trojans are ahead of schedule when it comes to rebuilding under coach Tim Floyd. USC made it to the Sweet Sixteen this season and nobody expected things to turn around that fast. It took a remarkable second-half run by North Carolina to keep the Trojans out of the Elite Eight.

The biggest loss from this year's team should be senior guard Lodrick Stewart, who averaged over 14 points and was a terrific three-point shooter. That loss will be offset by a terrific recruiting class, led by O.J. Mayo, the 6-5 shooting guard from Huntington, W.Va. If Mayo can behave himself and live up to his potential, he could usher in a brand new era at USC.

This is a special time in USC history. Floyd should be able to convince his top players to stay in school and be part of building the foundation for future success. Swingman Nick Young and guard Gabe Pruitt will provide the senior leadership. Forward Taj Gibson was a pleasant surprise as a freshman on the front line and should show dramatic improvement.

The defensive style of Floyd and his ability to recruit will make the Trojans a factor for several years. Next season will be Floyd's third at USC and that turned out to be a special season for John Thompson III at Georgetown and Thad Matta at Ohio State.

Maybe the Trojans are headed to the Final Four in 2008.

The other four teams he has ahead of $C are (in order): Ohio State, UNC, Kansas, and Georgetown.

This guy is crazy, isn't he?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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Read it a little more closely

"Swingman Nick Young and guard Gabe Pruitt will provide the senior leadership."

I remember reading that article. I think it was written back in early April before Young and Pruitt declared for the draft. And I agree with the author that if Young and Pruitt had decided to stick around, SC would be in a position to vie for a national title. But now with last season's top three Trojan scorers gone, it's a different story.

by Bruin Roar on Jul 15, 2007 5:47 PM PDT reply actions

Yeap

the article is moot.

Should read it closely before posting.

Also Timmeh is "rebuilding" what exactly?

by Nestor on Jul 15, 2007 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Doh!

You are right -- I was so flabbergasted by the placing of Southern Cal at the 5 spot that I didn't read it close enough. Nestor, feel free to delete it.

Way to get my first post in. Hopefully I can redeem my reputation through later postings. Sorry fellas

"Kapono for 3.... good!"

by MbahABako on Jul 15, 2007 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions