The crazy ride of the last two weeks finally came to an end for USC on Sunday in Minneapolis. It was tough being there and watching the emotion on the faces of DeMar DeRozan and Taj Gibson, as they possibly walked off the court for the last time as Trojans. It sent chills through me watching Coach Floyd put his hands on his knees in frustration after Taj's fourth foul, and fearless leader Daniel Hackett scowling after he missed his last three pointer. All around, it was just tough to see such an incredible run, that started only a couple weeks ago, come to such a halting end.
Despite the disappointment, what a run it was for the Trojans. A team that looked dead in the water a month ago won three in three days to take the Pac-10 Tournament. They followed that up with a dominating win over Boston College and a relentless effort against Michigan State that fell just short. I still am saddened by that game (especially by the fourth foul call on Taj that I feel was most responsible for the loss), but I am so proud of how this team came together and fought instead of lying down. The way they played these past two weeks, they could have beaten anyone in the country. While that sounds awesome to say, it's still a bit saddening to know that USC could have given Kansas and Louisville a run for their money this weekend. Bottom line, though, I'm very proud of this team.
The questions have already started regarding DeMar DeRozan, Taj Gibson, and Daniel Hackett and the possibility of leaving USC. I will address each situation in the upcoming weeks, but if I had to guess right now, I would say DeMar leaves while Gibson and Hackett stay. Some gut feeling, some inside information I've heard, etc. I'll expand upon it in the upcoming weeks. Even if Gibson and DeRozan both leave, however, this team will be a force in the Pac-10 and nationally next year with the recruits coming in (Renardo Sidney, Noel Johnson, Soloman Hill, and Derrick Williams), as well as players who didn't play this year because of eligibility or injury (Alex Stephenson, Kasey Cunningham), as well as top returning players (Hackett, Lewis, Leonard Washington, Vucevic, Simmons, etc.) Should be fun watching this program continue to grow under Coach Tim Floyd.
Well, it was a fun ride. I had a ton of fun following the ups and downs of this team on this blog and in person throughout the year. The main focus of this blog will now shift to the Minnesota Twins, however, expect frequent posts on the USC Basketball off season and maybe even some early USC Football talk if I feel like it. Thanks to the team for the ride and congrats on a job well done. They made me proud to be a Trojan this past weekend. Fight On.
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