Look Kevin is in his 50s and this will be a last chance to prove who he is, and I am betting he will make it. This program is so RAW right now it is ready for a long time coach to put it together along with his own personal life. On keeping the staff that TF had, it is one of the best and I hope most stick around.

One thing I like about this dude is that he isn’t so pompous that he thinks he is to good for a program heading for NCAA sanctions. Those other coaches that didn’t want to take the chance they can take the flying leap as far as I am concerned. Thanks Kevin O. for taking the chance of a lifetime.

He’s our guy now so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Let’s just hope he’s mellowed out, because if he hasn’t USC will be his last job too.

Per Wolf we have some quasi-confirmation that the Administration was not comfortable with Theus:

“If his (Theus’) stint at New Mexico State was any indication, player arrests and a lousy APR were likely.”

I don’t think the word “likely” is appropriate, but K.O. will run a much tighter ship. If K.O. lands a couple of three star players per year (that are willing to stick it out for four years), we’ll be half decent and basketball will not be a source of embarrassment for University. That said, we have just signed our very own Treaty of Versailles.

I really admire his attitude. He enthusiastically jumps into a building on fire. Low salary, other coaches running from it, some ridicule from the press, and KO embraces the opportunity. At the very least, he has big balls.

Let’s consider IF Coach Floyd remained as coach: with the underclassmen that declared this past Spring, those that either left or transferred (forced/advised to leave?), as well as those that requested to have their LOI’s rescinded, how good would it have been next season for Trojan basketball? How well would we have competed in the PAC 10?

Coach Kev is about to inherit the reigns of a basketball program in turmoil, yes- but he has the opportunity to basically build a college team from the ground- up! If he can possibly retain one or two players who have told USC that they’re leaving (be it would be freshmen recruits or players- i.e. Marcus Johnson) and/or grab any one of the “under the radar” HS seniors who’ve are at present “uncommitted”. . .I think he’ll go into next season no better/no worse than what Coach Floyd would have given us.

Additionally, say next season ends with the Trojans finishing in the middle to the – bottom of the PAC 10? Would it have ended any differently for Coach Floyd?

Here’s the thing: for next year’s basketball team, the season’s trajectory- as it applies to wins/losses, game-by-game performances/how they compete?, as well as injuries, team morale/chemistry, and understanding Coach Kev’s “system” (whatever that might entail?) should be viewed as “his rehearsal” – as far as fan-acceptance, would-be recruit’s analysis of coach/team/potential, and administration program assessment. It’s 2010/2011 that will determine whether or not Coach Kev is gonna make it at ’SC, indeed- survive as a quality college-level head basketball coach.

I think he’ll recruit a good number of “role” and “specialist” type players to play in his system. Big-bodied/athletic defensive-minded rebounders with good hands that can keep/maintain possession and deftly pass to cutters or open sharpshooters. He’ll go after quick PG’s and strong/quick-shooting sharpshooting swing-men, and if they’re available- tall, good-footwork type forwards who can finish near the rim. He doesn’t need DeRozan’s or Mayo’s, he needs Deron Williams’ and Trevor Ariza’s, sprinkled with Tayshaun Prince or Ron Artest for good measure. If he finds a KLove without the output, he’ll have the right personnel for his type of team. Do I think that’s doable? Yeah, in a way I do, because the world (NBA) covets Mayo’s, DeRozan’s, Sidney’s, Rose’s, and Blake Griffin’s. . . .we won’t get ’em, not in the near future. And if we do? Coach Kev will be setting himself up for failure.

I am very proud of you my friend I didn’t make it past 5 posts I believe until I posted the Sam Gilbert story from B Walton’s book. OH well I guess some people like to argue into a mirrior, Have a great day Festor and Box 71 we love ya guys.

This reminds me of a story a friend of mine (a professor at UCI) had co prof. that wanted to go with him to have beer at local Irish Pub. Now my friend is not your typical over bearing everything I say is lore, he is down to earth and engages in fair dialogue. So he tells this other guy if you go with me don’t expect to be right all the time, because these people don’t have to put up with you and they will tell you exactly how they feel. Well all told the dude lasted about ½ an hour and got and went on his way, he just couldn’t handle it. Heck maybe it was Box 71 or uncle Festor?