Written by Andie Hagemann, USC blog contributor
At the beginning of the 2012-13 season, the men's basketball team aptly nicknamed themselves the 'second chance kids.' The roster was filled with transfers, all looking for another shot to play Division-1 hoops. Fresh off the previous season's 6-26 record and picked to finish ninth in the conference, it seemed highly unrealistic that the Trojans would be where they are now, in the middle of the 'Pac.'
The Trojans were faced with the daunting task of assimilating the numerous transfers into the USC playing style in addition to the return of point guard Jio Fontan from a knee injury. After a slow start in non-conference play, the Trojans gained momentum with an overtime victory over Dayton and headed into Pac-12 play with a new sense of confidence.
"It was not only the timing of getting to know each other, it was also getting to know each other's roles," said senior captain Jio Fontan. "All of us came into this season saying that we were willing to give up certain things to better the team. Guys have learned their roles and have learned what can help our team out and what can hurt our team."
The 'second chance kids' received the ultimate second chance when assistant coach Bob Cantu took over as head coach mid-season. Under Cantu, the Trojans are 5-4 and recently boasted a four-game win streak.
USC has a new spark which is evident in how the team has played in practice and in games throughout the past month. "I think it is a completely different team with the new environment," said junior J.T. Terrell. "Coach Cantu is a little more down to earth. He allows us to have fun when fun is needed but there are times when we need to lock in, focus and take practice seriously."
The players have settled into their respective roles and exude a much needed confidence heading into the remaining games of the regular season. "Early in the season, it was just so new for everybody that it would take time to put things together," said interim head coach Bob Cantu. "Now everybody is a little bit more comfortable in their role. We have a lot of seniors and upperclassmen on the team so this is not just a second chance but it's the last chance being that time is ticking and we only have a handful of games left."
At the beginning of the 2012-13 season, the men's basketball team aptly nicknamed themselves the 'second chance kids.' The roster was filled with transfers, all looking for another shot to play Division-1 hoops. Fresh off the previous season's 6-26 record and picked to finish ninth in the conference, it seemed highly unrealistic that the Trojans would be where they are now, in the middle of the 'Pac.'
The Trojans were faced with the daunting task of assimilating the numerous transfers into the USC playing style in addition to the return of point guard Jio Fontan from a knee injury. After a slow start in non-conference play, the Trojans gained momentum with an overtime victory over Dayton and headed into Pac-12 play with a new sense of confidence. "It was not only the timing of getting to know each other, it was also getting to know each other's roles," said senior captain Jio Fontan. "All of us came into this season saying that we were willing to give up certain things to better the team. Guys have learned their roles and have learned what can help our team out and what can hurt our team."
The 'second chance kids' received the ultimate second chance when assistant coach Bob Cantu took over as head coach mid-season. Under Cantu, the Trojans are 5-4 and recently boasted a four-game win streak.
USC has a new spark which is evident in how the team has played in practice and in games throughout the past month. "I think it is a completely different team with the new environment," said junior J.T. Terrell. "Coach Cantu is a little more down to earth. He allows us to have fun when fun is needed but there are times when we need to lock in, focus and take practice seriously."
The players have settled into their respective roles and exude a much needed confidence heading into the remaining games of the regular season. "Early in the season, it was just so new for everybody that it would take time to put things together," said interim head coach Bob Cantu. "Now everybody is a little bit more comfortable in their role. We have a lot of seniors and upperclassmen on the team so this is not just a second chance but it's the last chance being that time is ticking and we only have a handful of games left."
Recently, Fontan has been able to assert more leadership and has been influential in play-calling.
"Coach Cantu is a little more open to my suggestions as far as what we should do on both ends of the court," Fontan said. "It has made my play a lot better and I think it has made my teammates feel better knowing that I'm not only on the court as a captain, but I can make those decisions while being on the court. I don't have to run it through someone else all the time or have to look at the sideline. It makes it easier and more comfortable for them."
Aside from Fontan, J.T. Terrell has been given a little more freedom on the court in comparison to earlier this season. Most recently, Terrell knocked down 17 points against the Cal Bears. "Right now, my team is finding me in the right moments of the game," Terrell said. "Jio, Byron [Wesley], and everyone else is getting me the ball when I am open. I wouldn't say it is anything new. It was something that I wasn't allowed to do earlier in the season."
Currently located in the middle of the conference rankings, the Trojans are in good standing to make a run at title dreams especially with the looming Pac-12 Conference Tournament. USC is set to host crosstown rival UCLA this Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Another victory this season over the Bruins would continue this resurrection for the Trojans. It is undeniable that the moniker 'second chance kids' resonates to the current revitalization of the men's basketball team.
"Coach Cantu is a little more open to my suggestions as far as what we should do on both ends of the court," Fontan said. "It has made my play a lot better and I think it has made my teammates feel better knowing that I'm not only on the court as a captain, but I can make those decisions while being on the court. I don't have to run it through someone else all the time or have to look at the sideline. It makes it easier and more comfortable for them."
Aside from Fontan, J.T. Terrell has been given a little more freedom on the court in comparison to earlier this season. Most recently, Terrell knocked down 17 points against the Cal Bears. "Right now, my team is finding me in the right moments of the game," Terrell said. "Jio, Byron [Wesley], and everyone else is getting me the ball when I am open. I wouldn't say it is anything new. It was something that I wasn't allowed to do earlier in the season."
Currently located in the middle of the conference rankings, the Trojans are in good standing to make a run at title dreams especially with the looming Pac-12 Conference Tournament. USC is set to host crosstown rival UCLA this Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Another victory this season over the Bruins would continue this resurrection for the Trojans. It is undeniable that the moniker 'second chance kids' resonates to the current revitalization of the men's basketball team.
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