The USC and UCLA basketball teams are enjoying dream seasons. Going into Saturday’s games, they are unbeaten.
The coaches, however, realize college ball has a lot of parity around the country.
The 11-0 Bruins are ranked No. 2 in the nation. The 9-0 Trojans are rated No. 24.
“I am having a lot of fun coaching and watching this team play,” said Steve Alford of UCLA after a 102-62 wipeout of UC Santa Barbara 102-62 Wednesday at Pauley Pavilion.
The Bruins’ are led by the guard play of freshman sensation Lonzo Ball, Bryce Alford, Isaac Hamilton and Aaron Holiday, forwards TJ Leaf and Gyorgy Goloman and center Ike Anigbogu.
Everyone knew Ball was an excellent player. But the 6-foot-10 Leaf has surprised. Against Santa Barbara, Leaf scored 25 points, with 10 rebounds and eight assists.
“TJ is impressive, and he is playing at a high level right now,” said Alford. “He is a high level athlete. He knows how to make the right play.”
UCLA plays Ohio State at 12 noon (channel 2) on Saturday in in Las Vegas. Wednesday the Bruins return home against Western Michigan at 8.
The Trojans are led by guards Shaqquan Aaron, Jonah Mathews, Jordan McLaughlin, De’Anthony Melton, Elijah Stewart and forwards Chimezie Metu and Bennie Boatwright.
“We are still a work in progress,” said Coach Andy Enfield last Sunday after beating Pepperdine at the Galen Center. “We have six new players, and we are extremely young.”
The Trojans are off to their best start since 1971.
Stewart is a main reason.
“Elijah has been outstanding,” said Enfield. “He is a scorer, and he can shoot.
“He is scoring in the half court and the full court. He is driving to the basket extremely well. He is getting to the free throw line.”
Enfield’s best compliment: “Elijah is becoming a more complete player.”
The Trojans are home against Troy University on Saturday at 7:30 and they play Cornell Monday evening at 7:30.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
