University Southern California Trojans
Jeff Trepagnier Chat Wrap
October 17, 2000 | Men's Basketball
Oct. 17, 2000
LOS ANGELES - USC guard Jeff Trepagnier recently stopped by ESPN.com to chat with users about the upcoming season and had some pretty high expectations for his Trojan team and his own game.
Trepagnier chatted about what aspects of his game are improved over last season and what he has learned from Coach Bibby that has made him a better player. He also touched on what everybody wants to know - if he can dunk from the free throw line and how high his vertical leap is.
In case you missed the Oct. 16 chat, the following is an edited transcript.
Dan: Which aspects of your game do you feel you've improved the most since arriving at USC and how will that help the team this year?
Jeff Trepagnier: I have improved my ball handling skills and jump shot the most. That will be a real plus this year because I have a lot more confidence in those parts of my game.
johnny: How do you think the usc-ucla rivalry stacks up to other rivalries in the pac-10??
Jeff Trepagnier: I think it's one of the biggest ones. This year it won't be as big as the Arizona St. rivaly though because of what has happened.
Michael: What did you do to prepare for this season over the summer?
Jeff Trepagnier: I worked on my handles and my jump shot every day.
Art: Can you dunk from the free throw line?
Jeff Trepagnier: I think I can but I've never tried it before. Maybe I'll try it this year in a game!
Kingusc: Jeff -- how will USC handle the expectations being put on you now -- that is not exactly what USC basketball is accustomed to.
Jeff Trepagnier: We had a taste of it last year. We also have high expectations for ourselves. We know what we have to do and we think we will do very well this year.
Alan: Did you ever have any pressure to skip college and go to the pros?
Jeff Trepagnier: No because I didn't feel I was ready. I never considered skipping.
Samuel Abrahamian: 1) Do you feel this team can make a serious run at the PAC-10 championship? 2) What is the key factor/advantage that will enable USC to accomplish this?
Jeff Trepagnier: I think we will be contenders because we have everybody back and everybody has the experience. The key is to stay healthy, and to play our A game every night.
SC: Did you have a cameo in the movie Love & Basketball? But seriously, I liken you to Latrell Sprewell with bigger hands and hops. How do you think you compare with him?
Jeff Trepagnier: I think I'm better! I could beat him one-on-one. I could stop him and pop him for a few jumpers.
I wish I had a cameo in that movie, but I didn't.
Ryan: What is the jump from High School Basketball to College Basketball. Is it hard for some players to adjust? Good Luck this season.
Jeff Trepagnier: I didn't have problems but it is a lot quicker and the guys are stronger. Everyone is as good as you, if not better. But I didn't have any problems adjusting to it.
Backes: Do you tink the Pac-10 should have a post season conference tournament?
Jeff Trepagnier: I think so. Last year we didn't get a birth and the tournament could have helped us because we could have upset several teams. It would help the lower conference teams have a chance.
njolly: How do feel about your upcoming conference schedule? Who do you think will be your toughest competition? and who do you think is the most underrated in the Conference?
Jeff Trepagnier: I think Arizona, Stanford, Utah, they all have great teams this year. But Arizona has everybody back and that should be a pretty good game.
jacheste: Jeff, how has coach Henry Bibby helped you to refine your game since you joined USC? What goals has he set for your personal development for this year. Be well, jacheste
Jeff Trepagnier: He has helped a lot. He told me what I had to do. He has helped me with my jump shot and ball handling. He told me I have to work on my ball handling and really helped my game in the process.
Paul: Nickname???
Jeff Trepagnier: Actually I don't have a nickname. Still looking for one.
Steely: Trep, how has your perimeter come along since last season? Do you see yourself as more of a three point threat this season? Also, how do you think Dez will do in spelling you this season? Will his presence allow more of a blow when you need it? Lastly, good luck on the season. It's gonna be a good one. Can't wait!
Jeff Trepagnier: Yes I do. I worked on it the whole summer. It's a big threat now. I have so much more confidence. And my mid-range game has improved a lot. I'm an all-around threat.
Paul: How about "up there" Trepagnier?
Jeff Trepagnier: That's good. I'm taking all names right now ...
BibbyBaby: Who would you pay to watch play in college?
Jeff Trepagnier: That's hard. I would say us, the Trojans, USC! That's about it!
Russell (MSU): What do you see as the biggest challenge when it comes to resisting the temptation of agents?
Jeff Trepagnier: That's a big challenge. They offer you money and all kinds of stuff but you just have to realize what is best for you. When you consider losing your eligibilty, you realize it's not worth it.
Anik Ray: You are my favorite college player. I wonder what are your plans in your future. Do you believe that you will have a career in the NBA?
Jeff Trepagnier: First of all, thanks for being such a fan. Hopefully I will have an NBA future. If I can hit the jump shot I have a pretty good shot of making it.
Gary: I saw you play at last year's Maui Invitational and look forward to seeing you at the Pearl Harbor Invitational. Everyone talks about your dunks, but you defense was impressive. How is the team defense coming along?
Jeff Trepagnier: It's coming along quite well. Out of a three hour practice we work on defense for about two. Our defense will be key to a lot of our wins this year.
Steve: What do you like to do during your frretime ?
Jeff Trepagnier: I like to go to the movies or go hang out at the clubs. We don't have much free time though, about once every blue moon.
Miner is God: How much of an imprint, if any, did Harold Miner left on the USC program? Does he still come around often?
Jeff Trepagnier: Actually, I don't think he comes around at all. It wasn't too big of a deal. Nobody really ever talks about him here.
Ed: Jeff, what other schools did you consider out of high school and what sold you on USC?
Jeff Trepagnier: I considered everybody really. I was sold on USC because they stuck with me all year. Other schools didn't think I would be eligible because of my grades. They always told me the truth, not just what I wanted to hear.
Jerome: Hey Jeff I watched you play UNC last year and you were folding up shop on them boys. How high is your vertical leap? What do you do to jump so high. Good luck in next year's NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
Jeff Trepagnier: Standing still, with about two steps it's 45.
Ozzy: Do you think the basketball team has a shot to be the "big men on campus" with the recent struggles of teh football team?
Jeff Trepagnier: Actually we are because a lot of people gave up on the football team. A lot of people are turning towards us. We ARE the big men on campus right now!
JR: What is going through your mind when your on the court in the middle of a game ?
Jeff Trepagnier: When I'm on the court I'm always thinking of a dunk to get the team hyped up. When I'm on defense I'm looking in the lanes to steal a pass and go downcourt and dunk.
That's all the time I have for now but watch out for the USC basketball team this season because we are going to surprise a lot of people!!
Thanks everybody!
