USC BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK: UNCERTAINTY REPLACED WITH AIR OF CONFIDENCE.Byline: Matthew Kredell Staff Writer Only four scholarship players returned from last year's USC An abbreviation for U.S. Code. basketball team, but they have some bad memories to pass on to the new guys. The one that's making the rounds this week is last year's loss to North Carolina North Carolina, state in the SE United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean (E), South Carolina and Georgia (S), Tennessee (W), and Virginia (N). Facts and Figures Area, 52,586 sq mi (136,198 sq km). Pop. , when the Trojans looked completely baffled and outclassed out·class tr.v. out·classed, out·class·ing, out·class·es To surpass decisively, so as to appear of a higher class. Adj. 1. in a 97-65 loss in which they trailed by 30 in the first half. ``We got embarrassed in every which way possible,'' Lodrick Stewart Lodrick Stewart is a basketball player. He has a twin brother, Roderick, who plays basketball at the University of Kansas. Pro career Stewart graduated from USC in 2007 and will prepare to enter the 2007 NBA Draft. His agent is Jerome Kersey. recalls. ``It was like our team was scared because our record wasn't that good going in, and we're playing the No. 1 team in the nation. After five minutes, we had our head down.'' This year's Trojans, gaining confidence through each step of a seven-game winning streak Noun 1. winning streak - a streak of wins streak, run - an unbroken series of events; "had a streak of bad luck"; "Nicklaus had a run of birdies" , doesn't expect a repeat when North Carolina comes to the Sports Arena tonight. Although North Carolina won the national championship last year, the top seven scorers either finished their eligibility or moved on to the NBA NBA abbr. 1. National Basketball Association 2. National Boxing Association NBA (US) n abbr (= National Basketball Association) → Basketball-Dachverband (= . This year's Tar Heels start three freshmen, and USC players see a similarity to their own young team. ``I think we're matched pretty evenly,'' Gabe Pruitt Gabriel Michael Pruitt (born on April 19, 1986 in Los Angeles, California) is an African American basketball player with the Boston Celtics. Biography College career On April 27 Pruitt announced that he registered for the 2007 NBA Draft. said. ``We have just as many experienced guys as they do. It should be a good game. We'll do as much as we can to get a victory.'' Yes, he said victory. The Trojans aren't just entering the game hoping to save face by staying in contention for a half. USC's winning streak was built against average teams at best, so there is plenty of doubt as to the Trojans' legitimacy. ``This could be a game to put us more on the map,'' Nick Young said. ``We're all looking forward to this game.'' A win would certainly give USC national recognition, if not the attention of its own student body. Tim Floyd Tim Floyd (born February 25, 1954) is the current head coach of the University of Southern California men's college basketball team. Floyd is also a former head coach of several teams in both the NCAA and the NBA. wasn't around for last year's game, but he has had some upset victories against North Carolina coach Roy Williams in the past. Floyd is 3-9 against Williams, with most of the games coming when Floyd was coaching Iowa State and Williams was at Kansas. ``(North Carolina) might not have much experience, but there will be talent there,'' Floyd said. ``It's a great test. With what happened a year ago with the decisive loss at Chapel Hill, we only have a few guys back but I hope they remember that and it bothers them.'' --Injury update: Dwayne Shackleford, who missed Sunday's game against Alcorn State after having his knee drained of fluid, practiced Tuesday and will be available for tonight's game, according to Floyd. Matthew Kredell, (818) 713-3607 matthew.kredell(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): box Box: USC vs. NORTH CAROLINA - Matthew Kredell |
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