USC Trojans Basketball

Men's Basketball adds to coaching staff

2010-04-09T00:48:05Z

The men's basketball team filled the final vacancy in their coaching staff as Coach O'Neill hired Dieter Horton as his third assistant coach. Horton previously was head coach at Fullerton College and most recently Antelope Valley College.

With Horton's hiring, Coach O'Neill's staff is now complete after the promotion of Tony Miller to assistant head coach last month.

Bob Cantu, about to enter his 10th season at USC, was promoted to associate head coach for this upcoming season.

Click here to read the complete release.

Revisiting Senior Day

2010-03-10T23:52:51Z

Here are a few pictures from The Women of Troy's Senior Day. The Trojans honored seniors Heather Oliver, Aarika Hughes, Hailey Dunham, and Daniela Roark.

Statements From O'Neill, Johnson And Arnold Regarding Coaching Changes

2010-03-10T19:59:56Z

STATEMENT FROM USC HEAD COACH KEVIN O'NEILL (3-9-10):

"I have had to make the difficult decision of telling both Phil Johnson and Gib Arnold that I have not retained them on our coaching staff.

"Everyone connected with the USC men's basketball program appreciates the time and effort they gave us. They are outstanding coaches and I firmly believe both would make excellent head coaches.

"This is a decision I wrestled with for a while. It had nothing to do with their coaching ability or performance, or with any issues related to the current status of the Trojan program. It simply has to do with the vision I have for how I want to structure this program. I want to move in a different direction.

"We thank both of them immensely."

STATEMENT FROM GIB ARNOLD (3-9-10):

"Having been raised in this game, I am well aware of the business side of college basketball. I have known for some time that Coach O'Neill would like to bring in his own guys to assist him. I understand and support this decision and wish Kevin, his new staff and the USC basketball team all my best.

"I am thankful that I was able to help Kevin during his transition year. I am also very grateful for the five wonderful years I spent as part of the Trojan family. This five-year period produced more wins, NCAA appearances and NBA players than any other such span in USC basketball history. I am very proud that I could play a role in that success.

"As for now, I am looking forward to pursuing other coaching options and to continue building championship programs. Fight On!"

STATEMENT FROM PHIL JOHNSON (3-9-10):

"This is best for Kevin O'Neill and for Phil Johnson. I'm proud of being part of threestraight 20-win seasons and three-straight NCAA appearances, both school records.

"I have no doubt that Kevin and his new staff will do extremely well and I'm sure exceed that.

"I appreciate everyone at USC. I have really enjoyed my time at USC and would like to thank everyone in the Trojan family. It has been a great five years and I will always have fond memories of my time at USC."

The Melt: USC vs. Arizona

2010-03-09T00:53:12Z

Relive the Trojans heart-breaking double overtime loss to Arizona, including the controversial finish to the 2nd half.

Click here to watch "The Melt: USC vs. Arizona."

Last Practice at Galen

2010-03-03T23:07:40Z

The Trojans hit the practice floor for the final time this season at the Galen Center in preparation for their last road trip to Arizona to take on the Sun Devils tomorrow night, before heading to Tuscon to play the Wildcats on Saturday.

"We aren't going to to play this road trip like its the last road trip," said Head Coach Kevin O'Neill. "We are going to finish it out right."

These last two games in the Desert will be the last for seniors, Mike Gerrity, Dwight Lewis, and Marcus Johnson.

Gerrity, who joined the team during the December recess due to NCAA transfer rules, will only dawn the cardinal and gold uniform for twenty-two games. The former California Southern Section player of the year, made an immediate impact for the Trojans leading them to a championship at the Diamond Head Classic, while earning the tournament MVP award along the way.

Dwight Lewis will leave USC as the all-time leader in games played, and a four year starter. For him, this last weekend in the desert represents one last chance to showcase his abilities on the collegiate level in preparation for a shot at the NBA.

Marcus Johnson has showcased glimpses of greatness throughout the season. His 39" vertical leap is only one dimension of his playing arsenal that he hopes will land him in a professional basketball role.

For them, and the rest of the Trojans, this final road trip presents the opportunity to showcase their full potential, with nothing to lose and only everything to gain.

Here are a few pictures from today's action.

By: Josh Moser

Jacki Gemelos' "Postponed Dreams"

2010-03-03T01:32:24Z

Click here for a great feature on Jacki Gemelos by Ramona Shelburne of ESPNLosAngeles.com.

Monday's Workout

2010-03-01T23:30:07Z

After dropping two home games this weekend to both Oregon and Oregon State, the Trojans stepped back onto the floor this afternoon trying to regain a sense of focus moving forward. They will finish out the season this week with a road trip to the Grand Canyon State to take on Arizona and Arizona St.

"It's hard to be successful when you drop back-to-back games at home," said Head Coach Kevin O'Neill. "Our defense is fine, but when you can't score 50 points in your own building, it makes it very difficult to win."

Practice was light today, with players completing a twenty minute shoot around. The Trojans will hold their final full-speed practice tomorrow at 4:30 before catching a flight to Arizona on Wednesday.

Here are a few pictures from today's shoot around.

By: Josh Moser

Senior Salute 2010

2010-03-01T22:49:57Z

USC saluted its four seniors on Saturday night - Kasey Cunningham, Mike Gerrity, Marcus Johnson and Dwight Lewis. Check out the video that played at the Galen Center to honor them during the Senior Salute.

Click here to watch USC Senior Salute 2010.

Photos From Senior Night

2010-03-01T17:56:02Z

Take a look at these action photos from senior night. Photos courtesy of Pierson Clair of PC4Photo.

Behind-The-Scenes Slideshow

2010-02-28T03:19:40Z

Check Below for a look at the behind-the-scenes festivities from tonight's game.

AP Report

2010-02-28T03:06:12Z

Click here for the full write-up from the AP on tonight's game.

Too Little, Too Late

2010-02-28T02:26:48Z

The Trojans didn't have enough senior magic down the stretch and fall to Oregon State, 49-44.

Final Stats for USC:

Scoring: Gerrity-13, Lewis-11, Washington-6, Stepheson-4, Vucevic-4, Smith-3, Johnson-3

Rebounding: Vucevic-8, Washington-8, Stepheson-6, Johnson-5, Gerrity-3, Lewis-2, Smith-1

Assists- Gerrity-3, Lewis-2, Vucevic-1, Smith-1

Mike Gerrity Coast-to-Coast

2010-02-28T02:24:42Z

Mike Gerrity drives the length of the court and converts on a tough lay up amongst the trees to cut the game to two. Oregon State calls timeout up two, 46-44 with just under 30 seconds remaining.

Final Minute of Play

2010-02-28T02:21:31Z

USC trails by two, 44-42, Here we go....

Oregon State Calls Timeout

2010-02-28T02:18:45Z

Oregon State calls a quick 30 second timeout with 1:23 remaining. USC applied great pressure on the inbound and forced the Beavers to call a timeout instead of giving up the turnover. The score is still 44-41 OSU.