Alex Stepheson Appeal Denied

North Carolina transfer forward Alex Stepheson's appeal was denied by the NCAA today, so he will red shirt this season and be available as a junior next year. I have to say I'm disappointed and disgusted with the decision from the NCAA. If a guy's dad is ill (and it sure seems like Stepheson's is) and he wants to transfer to be closer to his family, there shouldn't even be debate whether or not he should be eligible. Many might ask how Stepheson could focus on his father while he's playing basketball. However, if basketball is all a guy has to fall back on, it's a difficult situation if he's declared ineligible. In addition, since Stepheson has the potential to play at the next level, basketball might be the only way for him to make enough money to pay his father's medical bills. Absolutely terrible call by the NCAA. Tyler Smith transferred from Iowa to Tennessee last year under very similar circumstances and was declared eligible.

From a USC basketball perspective, it hurts not to have Stepheson, but it's not a back breaker. There is no question he would have helped out Taj Gibson down low a lot, but the Trojans still have much more depth in the post this year. Expect Leonard Washington to begin starting next to Taj, with Keith Wilkinson, Kasey Cunningham, and Mamadou Diarra coming off the bench. Last year, Keith was the only reserve option. Leonard Washington may only be 6'7'' but he is 225 pounds and plays much bigger than his height. He's a very talented player and we've already seen him perform well in the first two games. I still think USC will challenge UCLA and ASU in the Pac-10.

A few thoughts coming out of last night's win over New Mexico State:

-Taj Gibson is going to have a monster year. He has clearly worked on his game and it has paid off in the first two victories for the Trojans. He is an intimidating defensive presence down low and if he can start to finish a little better at the rim and improve his free throw shooting, he will be unstoppable. UCLA has no one to match up with him.

-DeMar DeRozan can stand to be a little more aggressive. He just seemed out of rhythm last night and didn't look for his shot often enough. I like it that he is a very unselfish player and wants to fit into the flow of the offense, but he should look for his own shot a little more. It may take some time for him to get a feel for the offense, but once he does look out.

-The Trojans defense has been outstanding in their first two games. Nearly everyone on the roster is quick, athletic, and can block shots. Even Daniel Hackett had three blocks last night at the guard position. Defense is what has led to three straight Final Four appearances for UCLA. Tim Floyd knows that and the Bruins will have a stifling Trojans D to deal with this year.

-Dwight Lewis, like Taj Gibson, has really improved his game. Last year, he was usually just a one dimensional player, only shooting the ball from the outside. This year, it looks like he's gotten stronger and isn't afraid to take the ball to the basket. Tim Floyd said Lewis worked the hardest in the off-season and it's already showing. Lewis, Gibson, and Hackett are the core of this team and the Trojans will only go as far as those three juniors take them.

-The Trojans must cut down on their turnovers. 20 turnovers last night is far too many. Hackett had six and DeRozan had five. I stressed how important defense is, but just as important is not giving the ball away and giving extra opportunities to the opponent. Hackett will have to handle the ball more this year with the departure of O.J. Mayo, which he is capable of doing. However, he must keep the turnovers to a minimum.

Good luck to the Trojans this weekend in Puerto Rico. A possible rematch on Friday against Memphis will be fun to watch.

Thanks for reading. Fight On.