December 1, 1998
LOS ANGELES - The USC men's basketball team (4-0), under the direction of third-year head coach Henry Bibby and off to its best start since the 1988-89 season, takes to the road for the second time this season when it travels up the coast to play at UC Santa Barbara (0-5) on Friday (Dec. 4) at 7:30 p.m.
USC has opened the season with four consecutive wins for only the third time since opening the 1974-75 season at 8-0. The current streak includes three of four wins at home, including a 91-82 win over St. Bonaventure on Nov. 30 at the Sports Arena. The Trojans follow their game against the Gauchos by returning home to play Loyola Marymount on Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Game #5
USC (4-0) vs. UC Santa Barbara (0-5) on Friday, Dec. 4.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. The contest will be broadcast live on KCTD-AM (1540). The Gauchos finished 7-19 overall, 4-12 in the Western Division of the Big West Conference last season, and hope to turn things around with first-year coach Bob Williams.
UC Santa Barbara has suffered some early heartbreaks in the 1998-99 season, losing three of their five games by one point (to San Francisco, Westmont College and Loyola Marymount) and a fourth by five points (Portland). Senior forward B.J. Bunton is the Gauchos' leading scorer at 16.4 points a game and their second-leading rebounder (6.2). Senior forward Josh Merrill is averaging 15.2 points per game and leads the team in rebounds (8.6).
Last Game
The Trojans started and finished sluggishly against St. Bonaventure on Monday, Nov. 30, but looked fine in between, improving to 4-0 with their 91-82 win at the Sports Arena. Senior forward Adam Spanich came off the bench to lead all scorers with a game- and season-high 18 points, including four-of-seven three-pointers, and junior forward Jarvis Turner, a reserve for the first time this season, added 16 points and six rebounds.
The Trojans made a season-high 11-of-20 three-pointers and made 30-of-58 field goals (.517), eclipsing the 50 percent mark for the third time this season. Five Trojans scored in double figures, including sophomore forward/center Brian Scalabrine's 15 points (to go with eight rebounds), freshman guard Brandon Granville's 14 points and sophomore guard Jeff Trepagnier's 11 points (complementing seven rebounds). USC started slow for the second consecutive game and was tied at 20-20 with 9:15 to play in the first half. A 22-11 run gave USC a 42-31 lead with 2:50 to play in the first frame and the Trojans took a 45- 39 lead into the break.
USC scored the first 10 points of the second half to take a 16-point lead and increased its advantage to 25 points at 82-57 on a Granville layup and foul shot with 6:17 to play. St. Bonaventure, however, got hot from the outside late and rallied, though the Bonnies never got their deficit into single digits until their final shot. USC sophomore guard Kevin Augustine saw his most action of the season, playing 17 minutes and sparking the Trojans with his substitution five minutes into the first half. St. Bonaventure was led by guard David Capers' 19 points.
Early Indications
In 28 games in 1997-98, USC topped 50 percent from the field only three times. The 1998-99 Trojans, however, have already matched that total in its first four games. USC's opponents shot 50 percent or better 11 times last year, but no one has done it yet against the Trojans this season.
One of USC's biggest weaknesses in 1997-98 was its free throw shooting, finishing the year at a paltry .640. A point of emphasis in the offseason, the extra work is beginning to pay off. USC has made 77-of-101 (.762) foul shots in its first four games, including a 29-of-35 showing in its opener, 14-of-16 against Long Beach State and 20-of-27 against St. Bonaventure.
USC coach Henry Bibby has used the same starting lineup in three of four games but is utilizing his bench extensively. Only one player (Brian Scalabrine) is averaging more than 30 minutes a game and only one other (Brandon Granville) is playing more than 25 minutes a game.
Trojan Notes
USC received 12 votes in the latest Associated Press poll and three votes in the latest ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll. In Jeff Sagarin's Nov. 29 NCAA basketball ratings, USC was ranked No. 25.
Including USC's wins over Arizona and Arizona State to close out the 1997-98 season, the Trojans are enjoying a six-game winning streak, longest in the Pac-10 and the lengthiest for the Trojans since a six-game stretch early in the 1993-94 season. The last time USC won more than six in a row was a nine-game run in the middle of the 1991-92 season, when the Trojans earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
USC's 4-0 start is its best since opening the 1988-89 season 4-0. The Trojans did the same in 1979-80 and 1975-76. The last time USC opened up better than 4-0 was in 1974-75, when the Trojans won their first eight games.
Trojan steals and assists averages are up considerably compared to 1997-98. USC is averaging 11.3 steals per game, compared to 8.4 last year, and 18.3 assists per game, compared to 14.0 last year.
Freshman forward Sam Clancy is USC's second-leading rebounder in the early going, averaging 5.8 rebounds per game despite playing only 52 minutes. In fact, Clancy is grabbing almost one rebound every two minutes with 23 boards in 52 minutes.
Statistically, USC is relying less on three-pointers in its first four games than it has in the past two years. USC's average attempts from behind the arc this year (15.5) is down from a year ago (21.8), though the Trojans almost matched last year's average with 20 in its game against St. Bonaventure.
With the Trojans' 4-0 start, Henry Bibby has evened his record as head coach at USC at 30-30.
Troy, which finished last season as the Pac-10's top shot-blocking team (4.36 bpg), is averaging 4.25 in its first four games in 1998-99.
USC's win at UNLV may be a good omen. Only four teams beat the Rebels on their home court last year (Syracuse, Utah, New Mexico and UCLA) and all four went to the NCAA Tournament.
The Trojans snapped an 11-game road losing streak with their win at UNLV. USC's previous road win was last November at San Diego State.
Senior Bombers
Senior guard Elias Ayuso and senior forward Adam Spanich are both among USC's Top 10 all-time three-point leaders at ninth and 10th, respectively. Ayuso became the ninth Trojan with at least 100 three-pointers in his career with his trey against St. Bonaventure. Spanich joined Ayuso in the Top 10 with his four three-pointers against the Bonnies and now has 80 in his career.
Side Notes
USC's 11 three-pointers in 20 attempts against the Bonnies were both season highs . . . St. Bonaventure's 82 points and 48.4 shooting percentage were both opponent highs . . . Long Beach State made only two free throws in its game at USC. Only twice in USC history has an opponent made less (Washington State, 1981, and Portland, 1989 - one each) . . . USC's 47-point margin of victory against San Diego State was its biggest since beating UC Irvine by 62, 107-45, in the 1996-97 season; also, when the Trojans held Long Beach State to 48 points, it was the lowest opponent total since the game with the Anteaters . . . USC's 22 steals against San Diego State tied a school record (Seattle, 1989). Nine of 13 Trojans had at least one pick.
On the Air
Nineteen of USC's remaining 23 games will be broadcast on XTRA-AM Sports 690. Rory Markas handles the play-by- play duties for the Trojans and ex-USC assistant coach Jim Hefner is the analyst. XTRA will broadcast all 18 Pacific-10 Conference games as well as the Kansas game. The remaining seven games will be broadcast by KCTD-AM 1540.
Schedule/Television Changes
USC's game at California on Feb. 11, originally scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start, will begin at 5 p.m. to accommodate a FOX Sports West 2 television broadcast. The Trojans' game against Arizona on Jan. 4 at 1 p.m. at the Sports Arena, originally scheduled to be broadcast on FOX Sports West 2, will not be aired on television.
Talented Newcomers
For the second consecutive season, USC has a talented cast of newcomers that are contributing right away. In 1997-98, the Trojans featured four freshmen, all of whom saw considerable playing time. This year, true freshmen Brandon Granville, Sam Clancy and David Bluthenthal as well as sophomore transfer Brian Scalabrine and junior transfer Quincy Wilder are all pushing hard for meaningful minutes. In USC's first four games, they are averaging 38.0 points and 19.3 rebounds.
Tough Schedule
As usual, USC plays a demanding slate of games, scheduled to play five of the top 18 teams in the preseason AP Top 25 poll (No. 3 Stanford, No. 8 Kansas, No. 12 UCLA, No. 14 Washington and No. 18 Arizona). The Trojans also face two other teams which received votes in the AP poll: California and UNLV. Eight teams on the USC schedule played in the postseason in 1998 (Kansas, Stanford, UCLA, UNLV, Washington and Arizona in the NCAA Tournament and Arizona State and St. Bonaventure in the NIT). USC opens with eight of its first 11 games at the Sports Arena, including six of nine non-conference games. The Trojans will enjoy a four-game homestand in that span, with its last two non-conference games against American (Dec. 21) and Arkansas State (Dec. 29) followed by the first weekend of Pac-10 play vs. Arizona State (Jan. 2) and Arizona (Jan. 4).
Pac-10 Preseason Poll
USC was picked to finish eighth in the Pac-10 preseason media poll. Stanford was picked first with 369 points and 36 first-place votes. The Cardinal was followed by Arizona (298), Washington (277), UCLA (271), California (253, one first- place vote), Arizona State and Oregon (150 each), USC (144), Washington State (65) and Oregon State (56).
Henry Bibby
Henry Bibby, a coach with 16 years of college and professional experience and the only player to ever play for an NCAA, NBA and CBA championship team, is in his third full season as the head coach of the USC men's basketball program. Last season USC went 9-19 overall, but closed out the season with a stunning 91-90 overtime victory over then-No. 2 Arizona and a 117-71 rout of Arizona State. In his first full season at the helm of the Trojan program, Bibby did not waste any time in moving Troy in the right direction. The 1996-97 campaign saw the Trojans finish second in the Pacific-10 Conference and make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1992. The previous year, the Trojans went 11-19 and finished ninth in the conference. The seven-game improvement is the third-biggest turnaround in USC history and the seven spot increase in the standings matches a school best. In addition, Bibby's 17-11 mark in 1996-97 is the best by a Trojan coach in his first full year since Forrest Twogood went 21-6 in his debut season in 1951. Bibby was named USC's head coach on March 15, 1996. Bibby joined the Trojan program in May of 1995 as an assistant coach. He was named USC's interim head coach on Feb. 7, 1996, replacing Charlie Parker. Bibby came to USC after coaching a club team in Venezuela in 1995. He was a head coach for eight seasons in the Continental Basketball Association. His teams made it into the CBA playoffs six times and posted a 223-213 regular season record, making him only the fourth CBA coach to post 200 wins.
Bibby Media Luncheons
USC Coach Henry Bibby will hold media luncheons in the varsity lounge of Heritage Hall on the following dates: (Dec. 7, Dec. 28, Jan. 12, Jan. 19, Feb. 2 and Feb. 23.) He will also be available at 1 p.m. in the Sports Information Office on an informal basis on the following dates: (Dec. 1, Dec. 18, Jan. 5, Jan. 26, Feb. 9 and March 1). Bibby will also be available at the L.A. Athletic Club on Feb. 16. All gatherings begin at 1 p.m.
Adam Spanich
Senior - forward - 6-foot-7 - 212 pounds
One of USC's all-time top three-point shooters.
Scored season-high 18 points against St. Bonaventure and made four-of-seven three pointers.
Scored key eight points at UNLV, all in the second half, making three-of-four shots.
Currently ranks No. 10 on USC career three-point chart (80).
One of three seniors on team.
Made 73-of-174 treys last season, leading the Pac-10 in both categories.
Made two dramatic three-pointers in USC's upset of No. 2 Arizona last season. The first sent the game into overtime and the second won it with no time on the clock.
Was named to the Pac-10 All-Newcomer first team.
Elias Ayuso
Senior - guard - 6-foot-2 - 195 pounds
Another strong three-point threat.
Scored game-high 16 points at UNLV and made three-of-five three-pointers.
Had 11 points and three steals against San Diego State in USC's opener.
Currently ranks No. 9 on USC's career three-point chart (100).
One of only three seniors on team.
Averaged 8.8 points per game in 1997-98 and made 46 three-pointers.
Scored a career-high 25 points in last season's final game against Arizona State.
Jarvis Turner
Junior - forward - 6-foot-8 - 230 pounds
Scored season-high 16 points and had six rebounds against St. Bonaventure.
Had nine points, two steals and a block in the season opener against San Diego State.
One of two returning starters from 1997-98 and the second-leading returning scorer (10.6) and rebounder (5.3).
In the season finale against Arizona State last season, he recorded his second consecutive double- double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Against No. 2 Arizona last year, Turner had a career-high tying 19 points and a career-high 11 rebounds.
Jeff Trepagnier
Sophomore - guard - 6-foot-4 - 185 pounds
One of the top athletes and best leapers in the nation whose dunk in the season-opener against San Diego State knocked out a shot clock for one half. Another slam against Long Beach State earned a spot on ESPN's Plays of the Week on Nov. 29.
USC's third-leading scorer (10.5) and top shot blocker (1.8).
Had 12 points, three blocks and two steals against Long Beach State and 11 points, seven rebounds and two blocks against St. Bonaventure.
Scored 12 points and had two blocks and three steals in USC's season opener.
Averaged 5.2 points and 3.5 rebounds as a true freshman in 1997-98 while starting six games.
Was second in steals (28) and third in offensive rebounds (42) last year.
Scored career-high 18 points to go along with four steals at UCLA last year.
Greg Lakey
Sophomore - forward - 6-foot-8 - 200 pounds
Tied career high with nine rebounds against Long Beach State and added nine points in only 16 minutes.
Made first start of 1998-99 against St. Bonaventure.
Scored 10 points and had eight rebounds against the Aztecs to open the season.
USC's third-leading returning rebounder from 1997-98.
Averaged 5.3 points and 3.7 rebounds last season while starting 19 games as a true freshman (second most on the team).
Had a career-high 14 points and eight rebounds against Washington State last year.
Kevin Augustine
Sophomore - guard - 6-foot - 185 pounds
Saw his most action of the season against St. Bonaventure, playing 17 minutes and scoring seven points.
Started 10 times at point guard in 1997-98 as a true freshman.
Averaged 6.3 points and 3.7 assists last season despite being hampered all season by tendinitis in the rotator cuff in his right shoulder.
Earned Pac-10 All-Freshman honorable mention honors.
Shannon Swillis
Sophomore - forward - 6-foot-6 - 225 pounds
USC's leading returning rebounder (5.9) from 1997-98 and a part-time starter.
Can play as a swingman or a power forward.
Had a team-high 41 blocks (1.52 pg - second in the Pac-10) last year and blocked three or more shots in eight games.
Earned 1997-98 Pac-10 All-Freshman honorable mention honors.
Against Tennessee last year, he finished with a career-high 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals.
David Bluthenthal
Freshman - forward - 6-foot-7 - 215 pounds
Scored four points and had three rebounds in his first game as a Trojan against San Diego State.
Averaged 21.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game at Westchester (Calif.) High in 1997-98.
Teamed with current Trojan teammate Brandon Granville in leading the Comets to a 30-3 record and their first- ever City Section 4-A title and Division I state championship.
Was the City 4-A Player of the Year.
Can play both forward positions.
Sam Clancy
Freshman - forward - 6-foot-7 - 240 pounds
USC's second-leading rebounder (5.8) and shot blocker (1.0). He's had at least one block in three of four games.
Posted a double-double in his first game at USC, scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds against San Diego State.
Had six rebounds in 12 minutes against Long Beach State.
Averaged 17.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game in 1997-98 at St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio.
Led the Eagles to the Ohio "Big School" state championship and earned Parade Magazine All-America fourth team honors.
Was a Street & Smith's 1997 College Basketball fourth team All-American and an All-Metro (Cleveland) pick.
Brandon Granville
Freshman - guard - 5-foot-9 - 175 pounds
USC's second-leading scorer (11.5) and leader in assists (6.8) and steals (3.5).
Scored 14 points and dished out eight assists against St. Bonaventure.
Had six steals for the second time against Long Beach State and seven assists.
Scored 15 points (including eight-of-nine from the foul line) and had seven assists at UNLV.
Scored 10 points and had five assists and six steals vs. San Diego State in becoming the first true freshman to start a game at USC since Burt Harris in 1992-93.
Averaged 12.0 points, 10.0 assists and 3.0 steals in 1997-98 at Westchester (Calif.) High, playing with current Trojan teammate David Bluthenthal.
Led the Comets to a 30-3 record and the Coastal Conference Western League championship, City Section 4-A title and Division I state championship.
Was a USA Today All-USA honorable mention, Los Angeles Times South Bay/Westside All-Star Team and South Bay Daily Breeze All-Area first team selection.
Brian Scalabrine
Sophomore - forward - 6-foot-9 - 240 pounds
USC's leading scorer (15.8) and rebounder (7.5) has made .632 of his field goals (24-of-38) in the early going.
The forward/center is second on the team in assists (2.8).
Scored 19 points and had four assists against Long Beach State.
Scored 15 points and had nine rebounds at UNLV and had 15 points and eight rebounds against St. Bonaventure.
Scored 14 points (including six-of-six from the line) and had nine rebounds and two blocks in Trojan debut against San Diego State.
Can play both power forward and center.
Averaged 16.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game as a freshman in 1996-97, helping lead Highline C.C. in Des Moines, Wash., to a 31-1 overall record and the state junior college championship. He led the Thunderbirds in rebounding, blocks and free throw percentage (75 percent) and also shot 59 percent from the field.
"Scalabrine is a great Division I player. I think he's terrific." Long Beach State Coach Wayne Morgan
Quincy Wilder
Junior - guard - 6-foot-3 - 200 pounds
Scored 10 points and had three assists off the bench against San Diego State.
Had six points and six rebounds in 17 minutes against Long Beach State.
A versatile player, he can play either guard spot or small forward.
As a sophomore at Highline C.C. in Des Moines, Wash., Wilder averaged 23.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.2 steals per game.
He led the Thunderbirds to consecutive Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges championship.
Scored in double figures in all 33 games he played in and scored 20 or more in 23 of those games.
Jason Thomas
Freshman - forward - 6-foot-4 - 220 pounds
A true freshman quarterback on the Trojan football team who is redshirting the 1998 season, he is also a talented basketball player who may play for Henry Bibby's squad after the football season.
Seymour Daffeh, Shelby Jordan, Rob Eres
Rounding out the Trojan roster are walk-ons Seymour Daffeh, Shelby Jordan and Rob Eres. Daffeh, a senior, is in his fourth year with USC and has played in eight games in his Trojan career. Jordan, a sophomore, played in two games as a freshman last season and Eres, a freshman, is in his first year with the team.
Daffeh played two minutes in USC's season opener. He didn't see any action last year.
