USC EYES TOP RECRUITS.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

The USC basketball team is expected to sign one of the best classes in coach Henry Bibby's five seasons during this week's early-signing period.

Highlights of the class are twin brothers Errick and Derrick Craven of Bishop Montgomery High in Torrance.

Errick (6-foot-2, 170 pounds) is considered one of the top guards in the West. He averaged 20.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.6 steals as the twins led Bishop Montgomery to the Division III state title last spring. Derrick (6-2, 170) averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 3.1 steals.

The twins were also recruited by Stanford and UCLA.

Also signing is 6-11 center Rory O'Neil of Burroughs High in Ridgecrest. O'Neil (6-11, 215) selected USC over Stanford. He averaged 20 points, 12 rebounds, 3.6 blocks, two assists and 1.3 steals last season and is considered the best center prospect to sign with the Trojans in years.

The final player is 6-7 forward Jerry Dupree, who played at College of Southern Idaho last season. Dupree averaged only eight points on a strong team but was heavily recruited, and selected USC over Cincinnati. He is also the player that spurred an NCAA and Pacific-10 Conference investigation into the basketball program, after College of Southern Idaho coach Derek Zeck accused USC assistant Dave Miller of offering money to help land Dupree.

Dupree, who would enter school as a sophomore, has not yet academically qualified.

The women's basketball team also had a good fall and will sign two players, 6-1 forward Rachel Woodward of Murrieta Valley High in Temecula and 6-4 center Kim Gipson of Westchester.