USC BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK: PRUITT TO RETURN NEXT SEASON.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

USC guard Gabe Pruitt said that even before his potentially season-ending knee injury, he decided to return for his junior season.

``I was already thinking about coming back before I got hurt,'' Pruitt said. ``I could use more development under Coach (Tim) Floyd and use his advice for another season.''

Pruitt accompanied the Trojans on their trip to Washington but he is expected to be out four-to-five weeks with a fractured knee.

``It's a pretty key loss but I'm confident in my teammates,'' Pruitt said.

Floyd said he would probably start freshman guard Sead Odzic in place of Pruitt tonight against Washington.

``There's more responsibility on me for sure,'' Odzic said. ``Gabe's a big player to lose. It's difficult saying you're going to play for Gabe Pruitt.''

Odzic registered career-highs of nine points and three field goals from 3-point range against Arizona State last weekend.

``My confidence is up,'' Odzic said. ``In the locker room, we've said that we have to come together now without Gabe. We all understand the situation.''

Floyd said he will use his bench liberally without Pruitt.

``Guys who haven't played will have to play now,'' Floyd said.

It doesn't figure to be easy tonight because USC lost to Washington by nine points last month at the Sports Arena.

--Recruit visits: Artesia wing player James Harden visited USC on Tuesday with Pioneers coach Scott Pera. Harden, who is a junior, is a player the Trojans are closely watching. Last week, Floyd attended an Artesia game.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com