USC Has What It Takes to Win

Now that the seeding is completed, let the prognosticating begin!

Seems that just about every year there's a team that enjoys a measure of success in the NCAA Tournament that's a surprise to experts and fans alike.  This year should prove no exception. 

There's never been a freshman class like the one this year.  What an amazing group of untested players and unknown players.  It's the talented pool of freshmen who will shake things up at the Big Dance.  Because of experience, predicting how this crop of freshmen will perform at tournament time is little more than an exercise in futility. 

Sit back and let the games begin!

O. J. Mayo is no stranger to media attention.  The fact that he has played brilliantly for the University of Southern California comes as no surprise.  If anything, the surprise for the Trojans has been their inconsistency. 

USC enters the NCAA Tournament as a No. 6 seed in the Midwest bracket.  The men of Troy posted a regular season record of 21-11.  That's only impressive to those who respect the depth and quality of teams competing in the Pac-10 conference.  Respect for the Pac-10 is offered begrudgingly by virtually any hoops "expert" east of Palm Springs, CA.  In short, many expect USC to be one and done.

If USC does well in this tournament, it will be considered a shocker and upset to most.

Here's why it won't shock this Pac-10 fan.

Just about everyone concedes that UCLA will be a Final Four team this year.  Many predict that they have the talent, and freshmen, to win it all. 

How did USC play against the Bruins this year?  They beat UCLA at Pauley Pavilion, a remarkable accomplishment by any team this season.  On their court, the Trojans didn't have the services of their play maker Daniel Hackett, the heart and soul of USC since wearing the crimson and gold. 

Without Hackett, USC struggled to find anyone who could run their offense.  That's right, USC lost to UCLA at Galen Center.  But in the Pac-10 Tournament, the Trojans came within a straight-on three pointer (that doinked of the back of the rim) by Mayo that would have sent the game to overtime.

The starting five for USC are a very talented group.  When the play within Coach Tim Floyd's system, it's just about impossible to shut them down.  Where USC struggles is depth.  There's a gap in talent between the bench and starters that's caused Floyd grief all year long.

USC should gain attention after knocking off Kansas State in the first round.  That win will do wonders for Trojan confidence and focus.

After the first round, the glass slipper will be tried on for size.  Wisconsin should be the second round matchup for USC.  The Badgers are going to discover what it's like to play Pac-10 style hoops. 

The Trojans know all about playing against tough defenses having matched up against both Washington State and UCLA in conference play.  WSU and UCLA are two of the toughest defensive teams this year, coached by two of the nation's best in Tony Bennett and Ben Howland.

USC will beat Wisconsin.

If their bracket teams play by seeding, the Trojans would get a shot at either Gonzaga or Georgetown.  That's about all Coach Floyd is asking for his team.  Just a chance.

Should the Trojans surprise the masses by getting that far, anything is possible.

Why?

Are you kidding?  USC has much more than OJ Mayo.  They have a couple  athletic monsters up front in Taj Gibson and Devon Jefferson.  Both players can jump out of the gym.  They play huge.  Both Mayo and Hackett are skilled offensive players.  The fifth starter is underrated Dwight Lewis.  Lewis is capable of putting up 20+ points everytime he steps on the court. 

On defense, the Trojans have more than enough quickness to stay ahead of anyone.  However, that is the end of the court they tend to lose focus on first.  Recently, that hasn't been the case.  Tournament time is more than enough incentive to keep their heads in the game.

Then there's the "X" factor.  In the case of USC, it's their situation that becomes the "X" factor.  Mayo, Gibson and Hackett are all looking to turn pro.  Coach Floyd has already been down that route, but may want to move up the ranks of college coaching.  He might just consider the Indiana job...if they come with an offer.

As "X" factors go, looking to move on should be more reason to break this team apart rather than bring them together.  But that's the nature of these beasts.  These guys don't mind fighting on for USC.  Make no mistake, they are in it for their personal victories.  They've fought this far as a collection of individuals. 

Yes, they will "Fight On!"

Besides, when was the last time anyone dared to label any team from the University of Southern California as a Cinderella?  An opportunity that couldn't be passed up. 

Heck, that pretty much sums up how the Trojans will go about surprising people in the coming days.