The NCAA Tournament begins for the Trojans this evening as they face Boston College at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. I'm very anxious to see if USC can maintain its momentum from the dramatic Pac-10 Tournament Championship last weekend. The Trojans are playing their best basketball right now, and if they can continue to do so, they will be a very tough out in this tournament.
There are two main keys for the Trojans today against BC: Contain dynamic point guard Tyrese Rice and come out with the same energy they came out with in the Pac-10 Tournament. Rice is the guy that makes the Eagles go. He is a terrific playmaker and can create shots for himself and others. Look for Marcus Simmons to get the start and the assignment on Rice. Simmons did a great job guarding Jerome Randle, Darren Collison, and Derek Glaser last week. Simmos is a guy that really gets in your face and can create turnovers. Look for him to do just that against Tyrese Rice today. Simmons is healthy for the first time this year and he is showing why he was such a highly touted recruit.
If the Trojans come out with a lot of energy, reminicent of their spark they showed last week, Boston College will be in for a rude awakening. The Trojans played with an extraordinary amount of passion, led by their feisty point guard Daniel Hackett. Hackett just wouldn't let the Trojans lose last weekend and he always plays with 110% effort. The Trojans need to come out from the get go with the same will to win they showed last weekend.
Two players who I expect to have huge games are DeMar DeRozan and Taj Gibson. DeRozan is playing the best basketball of his life right now. He put the Trojans on his back in the Pac-10 Tournament and he is primed to do just the same in this NCAA Tournament. The aspect of his game that has improved so much throughout the year is his jumpshot. When he is hitting from outside, DeRozan is virtually unstoppable. He can get to the basket at will and his aggressive instinct has gotten better and better each game. Taj Gibson is also a guy who can have a big day for USC. The Eagles don't really have anyone to stop the Trojan big man. If Boston College leaves Gibson in one-on-one matchups, look for the Trojans to post up Taj early and often. Daniel Hackett could also be big for USC today because he has about a five inch hight advantage on Tyrese Rice.
The Trojans are very determined to win this game. Coach Tim Floyd has repeatedly said how dissappointed he was in USC's one-and-done tournament appearance last year. It was an embarassing loss to Kansas State and Floyd doesn't intend to let it happen again. It's up to the players to deliver a victory. The journey begins today. Let's play! Fight On!
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