2006 USC Trojans Basketball Preview

2006 USC Trojans Basketball Predictions

The USC Trojans (17- 13 overall and 8- 10 PAC-10) had a good season playing under first-year coach Tim Floyd. This season, despite the death of talented guard Ryan Francis in a shooting in Louisiana and the declaration that junior Gabe Pruitt cannot play until December due to academic issues, the Trojans look like they may be even better than they were in 2005- 06.

Without Francis and Pruitt starting in the backcourt, coach Floyd will look to senior Lodrick Stewart (12.3 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 43.9 FG%, 72.0 FT%), a fine shooting guard, to put the ball through the hoop. Point guard is tough. It may be one of two freshmen—Kevin Galloway or Dwight Lewis. Galloway is one of the top freshmen guards in the nation, while Lewis is more comfortable at the shooting position. Sophomore Sead Odzic (3.2 PPG, 1.2 RPG, 0.8 APG, 33.0 FG%, 61.5 FT%), the only point man with experience, may play point, although he’s more of a 3-point guy.

In the frontcourt, the Trojans return the PAC-10’s current top scorer—junior forward Nic Young (17.3 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 46.7 FG%, 80.1 FT%). Sophomore RouSean Cromwell (4.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.2 APG, 57.5 FG%, 54.8 FT%), who missed part of last season due to injury, can use his body inside. Senior center Abdoulaye N’diaye (5.3 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 0.5 APG, 53.9 FG%, 54.0 FT%) is an excellent shot blocker who has developed some offensive skills in the off-season.

Coach Tim Floyd got his guys to play stubborn defense last season. At one point, they held 11 straight opponents to less than 70 PPG. Floyd was able to inspire his team to bring a disciplined, energized game to the court every night. The Trojans possess some fine shooters, despite loses at point.

The USC program is on the rise and even with the Francis tragedy and the Pruitt dilemma, this club looks to be competitive. The NCAA Tournament will be tough to make but the NIT is a definite possibility. The strong mix of vets and frosh bodes well for the Trojans’ future.

If you want more info on the 2006 USC Trojans College basketball team check out the NCAA's official basketball team page of the program or check out some rival previews from Maddux Sports of schools like the Washington Huskies and Stanford Cardinal.