SC NOTEBOOK: BIBBY NOT GOING ANYWHERE - FOR NOW.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

Henry Bibby opened his seventh season as USC basketball coach last weekend. But his status might have been in doubt over the summer, when he spoke several times to the Denver Nuggets about their then-vacant head-coaching position, according to sources.

``I'll stay at USC,'' Bibby said Tuesday, his only comment about the subject.

Bibby has only two years remaining on his current contract. There have been on-and-off negotiations for an extension for more than a year.

During Bibby's tenure at USC, there has been speculation that he would prefer coaching in the NBA.

--Athletes in action: Though the Trojans are younger and lost three experienced seniors (Sam Clancy, David Bluthenthal and Brandon Granville), Bibby said USC will be more physically talented than any of his previous teams.

``I think we're quicker than last year, probably more athletic,'' Bibby said. ``(But) we lack experience. It's good it's a long time before we start playing games.''

For the first time since 1997, Bibby scheduled games during the weekend break after the UCLA game to try to get as much experience as possible for his new players.

``We needed to play as many games as we can,'' Bibby said. ``We might be better from spots 1-10 on the roster than last year, but we probably won't be able to play everyone.''

USC hosts Penn on Jan. 11 and plays at UNLV on Feb. 9.

--Growing pains: Asked to evaluate the newcomers, junior guard Desmon Farmer said most were going through an adjustment period.

USC has three junior-college transfers this season: point guard Brandon Brooks, small forward Roydell Smiley and center Jonathan Oliver.

``Right now, they're kind of struggling,'' Farmer said. ``Smiley is a pretty good shooter. Brandon is a good penetrator. Oliver is one of the guys struggling to learn the system and know his role, but he's pretty good. He's a shot blocker.''

--What's the point? Bibby said he didn't expect to find a full-time starter at point guard until Pacific-10 Conference play begins, although Brooks is believed to be the front-runner.

The other candidates are senior Robert Hutchinson and sophomore Derrick Craven.

``It could be by committee,'' Bibby said. ``I think we'll know by January. Hutchinson's a steady player on the team, and we're not sure what Brandon or Derrick will do yet. It will be a good battle.''

--Dupree day-to-day: Forward Jerry Dupree has complained of stomach pains, but tests revealed no problems other than an infection.

``They can't find anything serious,'' Bibby said. ``Everything is status quo.''

Dupree is academically ineligible until at least Dec. 21, provided he gets the necessary grades in the fall semester, but is allowed to practice with the team.

--Big men on campus: Sophomore forward Rory O'Neil gained 25 pounds and Craven added 10 in the offseason. Craven now weighs 10 pounds more than his twin brother, Errick.