2017 NCAA Tournament First Four: Live at the USC Trojans Press Conference and open Practice

The USC Men’s basketball team takes the podium:

On Tuesday afternoon USC Trojans Men’s Basketball coach Andy Enfield along with both Jordan McLaughlin and Bennie Boatwright met with the media ahead of their game with the Providence Friars in the opening round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

Much of the focus was on last year’s thrilling meeting that saw the Trojans come up short. McGlaughlin stated that a correctable issue cost USC that game and after reviewing the film the team has learned from it and moved on. Coach Enfield made it clear that while both squads each have a small core group of young players both teams are different this season. Coach Enfield also emphasized the huge roster turnover the Trojans experienced in the off season.

Coach Enfield also spoke of the importance of keeping players' confidence up and to stay loose but focused. Coach was excited for the opportunity to continue the season and to get another chance at beating Providence. By extension if the opportunity to keep the season going and continue to play basketball led the Trojans to Dayton, Ohio then Coach Enfield and USC were fired up about playing in Dayton as well.

Boatwright and McGlaughlin both felt up to the challenge of the grueling schedule and traveling required. Both players credited the training and support staff at USC. Both Boatwright and McGlaughlin are also both confident they will be able to bring the energy necessary to win 3 games in five days. They also credited having to compete with the likes of the Oregon Ducks, UCLA Bruins, and Arizona Wildcats for making them a better more tournament-prepared team.

USC Men’s basketball takes to the court:

After the Press conference the USC Trojans took to the court at University of Dayton Arena for an open practice. After a lengthy trip the Trojans looked ready to be back on the court playing basketball. As a smattering of basketball fans looked on as well as a rowdy contingent of the Spirit of Troy, the Trojans began their shoot around.

Despite a very young roster, for many this is their first appearance in post season play, the team looked loose and mostly in good spirits despite a bit of jetlag. After 40 minutes of shootaround the team posed for a group photo huddled up and then went back to the locker room.

Afterward the Providence Friars took to the court for their open practice.

The Trojans and Friars tip off Wednesday night at 6:10pm pt on TruTv.