SC WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: USC WOMEN `READY'.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

The season doesn't start until next month, but already it's apparent the USC women's basketball team won't lack confidence.

``I'm ready to go now, bring on Tennessee,'' sophomore forward Ebony Hoffman said.

Those words might come back to haunt Hoffman since the Women of Troy travel to Knoxville on Nov. 18. But her optimism comes from the fact she finally is healthy. Last year, it was kept secret that Hoffman's shoulder frequently popped out of its joint. She underwent surgery in March and said she feels completely recovered.

Even with the injury, Hoffman averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds.

USC coach Chris Gobrecht believes this the year USC meets some of its expectations. Besides Hoffman, sophomore guards Jessica Cheeks and Aisha Hollans return, along with senior guard Tiffany Elmore and senior forward Carmen Krause.

``Certainly I think we have to be a favorite to win the Pac-10 title,'' Gobrecht said. ``We have to be sure we've learned our lessons from last year, and the things that brought us down.''

USC also signed two highly touted freshmen, 6-foot-4 center Kim Gipson of Westchester and 6-foot forward Rachel Woodward of Murrieta Valley, who will challenge for starting spots.

--Note: USC has received a commitment from Meghan Gnekow, a 6-foot small forward from Santa Ynez. She was listed as a preseason prep All-American in at least one publication.