USC BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK: TROJANS AWAITING POST HELP.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

As the worst-rebounding team in the Pacific-10 Conference, USC desperately needs injured forward RouSean Cromwell to return, but the freshman said he isn't certain he will play again this season.

Cromwell fractured his right foot Dec. 23 during pre-game warm-ups and the Trojans are hopeful he can return in the next two weeks. But Cromwell said he isn't sure when - or if - he will be back.

``For the most part, it's going good but there's a possibility I won't be able to play,'' Cromwell said. ``I just can't say right now.''

Cromwell is currently allowed to jog but is not practicing. He is scheduled to be undergo X-rays this week to determine how close he is to returning.

``Maybe he can come back for the Oregon games,'' USC coach Tim Floyd said.

The Trojans play the Oregon schools next following tonight's game against UCLA at the Sports Arena. Cromwell averaged 5.3 rebounds per game, which is the second-best mark on the team, behind only center Abdoulaye N'diaye (6.2).

--Rivalry lessons: Floyd said he did not gain any extra insight from his first taste of the crosstown rivalry, a 66-45 loss to UCLA at Pauley Pavilion last month.

``I don't think I learned anything,'' Floyd said. ``I understand our people like to see us beat them and their people like to see them beat us.''

But Floyd conceded he noticed the difference between the physical stature of the two teams.

``What I learned is we've got a ways to go in terms of physical strength,'' he said. ``Some of it has to be done in the offseason with recruiting and gaining strength. We're where they were three years ago.''

--Safe haven: USC forward Nick Young struggled in his only two games at Pauley Pavilion, making just four of 20 shots. But at the Sports Arena against UCLA last year, Young scored 22 points and made eight of 12 shots.

Young said he put too much pressure on himself in the games at Pauley Pavilion, playing against his friends, UCLA guards Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo.

``I need to look at it like I'm playing Jordan or Arron at the park,'' Young said.

Young is also excited because he will be wearing a new pair of Kobe Bryant Nike basketball shoes for today's game, a gift from his girlfriend, USC sprinter Carol Rodriguez.

--Out and about: Floyd, who spent much of this week recruiting, attended Friday night's game between Crenshaw High of Los Angeles and San Fernando Poly. Crenshaw features 6-foot-8 forward Darnell Gant.

--Lineup change: Floyd said walk-on forward Greg Gaudino of La Canada, a surprise starter last week against Washington State, probably would not start today

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com