To say that the University of Southern California's basketball season was a disappointment is akin to say that you might see a few Masters commercials during March Madness. Which is to say one of your all-time understatements. The Trojans started the season with lofty expectations, with thoughts of possibly challenging UCLA for conference supremacy. Instead, there were shots to the groin, talk of potential program killing violations and a coach that often behaved like Billy Mays in a wind tunnel. Only Tim Floyd wasn't quite as composed.
But the Ides of March has a way of cleansing sins and bad losses. And the Trojans are back in the NCAA hunt. Something that should concern the bubble teams.
The Trojans are not a bubble team (even though some radio talk show hosts out here seem to think so). The only way they advance to the tournament is to win three consecutive games. And crazier things have happened. And here are a few reasons why some teams (looking at you Arizona) should be concerned about USC.
The Trojans are talented. There is no denying that. There is a reason why USC was given so many preseason accolades.Taj Gibson has been amazing, averaging a near double-double each game.
But the key will be DeMar DeRozan who finished the season real strong against Oregon and Oregon State (that will happen), and could use that boost of confidence in the tournament. DeRozen has played well against UCLA and in one game at Washington. One of his best games was against Arizona State when he notched a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds on Feb. 15. He has shown he can do well in the big games.
The pressure is also off USC. The weight of early season rankings can weigh on your shoulders, causing you to clank a free-throw or cause you to push ball on your jump shot. The Trojans will have no expectations going into the Pac-10 tournament. Being unbound could set this team free.
In a crazy season that made little sense to the Trojans, maybe the unthinkable could happen. Maybe USC could make a run at the tournament title. My prediction is that USC handles Cal and beats UCLA for the first time this season. That would cause an uproar. But much like this season has gone, the Trojans fall to the Sun Devils in the tournament finals.
