Leonard Washington To Transfer to Wyoming
by Joey Kaufman on Jul 31, 2010 1:06 PM PDT
in USC Basketball
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PrintWe've known for sometime now that sophomore forward Leonard Washington was leaving the basketball program, because as you guessed it, he didn't get along with head coach Kevin O'Neill. Washington, who was kicked off the team by O'Neill last March, has apparently been deliberating on which school to transfer to for the past four months. I guess there weren't a lot of takers.
Initially, it appeared likely that he would join former Tim Floyd assistant Gib Arnold at Hawaii, but after Arnold signed a recruiting class of eight players, there didn't appear to be many spots available for guys with tendencies to punch future number one overall draft picks below the belt. Maybe, that's why Washington and O'Neill weren't on the best of terms. Or, maybe it was because Washington wasn't too found of the whole academic aspect of USC. Regardless, yesterday's news means that Washington has officially cut ties with USC, he was still taking classes during the second semester, and will be looking to continue his college basketball career in Laramie, Wyoming.
Before his departure, he was expected to play a significant role in the coming season despite a rather subpar 2010 campaign:
Washington's sophomore year under new coach Kevin O'Neill went even less swimmingly, as he started the season on academic suspension and ended it with O'Neill dismissing him from the team.
Washington did relish his role as an intimidator and averaged 6.2 points and 4.4 rebounds coming off the bench this season.
A little surprised that he ended up at Wyoming for Washington is a talented player, and probably could be a contributor on a tournament team as he was a freshman when 'SC did win the Pac-10 Tournament and was a few good referees away from knocking off Michigan State and earning a trip to the Sweet 16.
Nonetheless, I think I speak for the entire Trojan Family in wishing Washington the best of luck in the coming years.
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because as you guessed it, he didn’t get along with head coach Kevin O’Neill. Washington
While I wish Washington the best, you need to bone up on history, Washington had problems with Floyd as well. He also has had academic issues.
Why you always berate O’Neill, as he is a very good coach, is beyond me.
Meh...
Agree on LW having issues with TF but O’Neill isn’t without a checkered past either…see Arizona.
He gets a pass for last year…no one could turn that into chicken salad. This year will be different…if he keeps his cool.
"Mention USC to a Bruin and they get angry; mention UCLA to a Trojan and they laugh."
I'll give him some credit for last season
That was an awful roster and they were incredibly competitive. They were within streaking distance on the road against Texas, with Donte Smith as the starting PG. I’ve give K.O. a ton of credit.
But even with all the trouble from last year, they couldn’t score against a zone defense so save their life. Teams made defensive adjustments against ‘SC, and the offensive strategy never changed. They lost the last 5 games of the year simply because they couldn’t score against a zone. I think he’s a decent coach, but he’s got a lot of issues that I’m not just going to gloss over.
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by Joey Kaufman on Jul 31, 2010 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Well I always liked Lenny, why because when he came into the game he gave it all that he had. the thing with Blake G was just a back and forth bumping thing.
If the Refs really didn’t want that to happen maybe they should of controlled the game better, oh wait what am I saying Refs control the game DO THEIR JOBS oh mercy me.
So Fight On USC followers and Don’t worry WE Will Still Play on Saturdays and Bowls will come later, for WE ARE SC not That other Softball University. Oh and don’t say you now have a baseball team, it’s not Real Baseball unless you use Wooden Bats
by so.cal.native1952 on Jul 31, 2010 10:28 PM PDT reply actions
KO worked miracles last season
no coach could have done better after Garrett assassinated Floyd and imploded the program. i really admired Leonard as a player and competitor. actually, I believe that Timmy and Leonard had a tight, Louisiana roots, relationship. Best of luck, Leonard. He reminds me most of Sam Clancy, and as such, I’m afraid that he is simply too short to make it in the NBA.
Death to the NCAA!!!
You might see Lenny switch back to FB, TE or LB, DE.
So Fight On USC followers and Don’t worry WE Will Still Play on Saturdays and Bowls will come later, for WE ARE SC not That other Softball University. Oh and don’t say you now have a baseball team, it’s not Real Baseball unless you use Wooden Bats
by so.cal.native1952 on Aug 1, 2010 7:18 AM PDT reply actions
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