Funeral Set for USC’s Francis

Funeral services for USC basketball player Ryan Francis will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Greater King David Baptist Church, 222 Blount Road, in his hometown of Baton Rouge, La.

The Trojans’ freshman point guard died early Saturday after Baton Rouge police say a gunman fired shots into a car in which Francis was a passenger.

D’Anthony Norman Ford, 19, of Baton Rouge is being held without bail in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with Francis’ death. Formal charges could be filed within 60 days, Baton Rouge Assistant Dist. Atty. Charles Grey said.

USC has received permission from the NCAA to pay for the funeral and the travel expenses of Trojans players who will attend the service, said Tim Tessalone, the school’s sports information director. The entire team is expected to attend.

USC Coach Tim Floyd and assistant Bob Cantu have arrived in Louisiana to assist with the arrangements, and assistants Phil Johnson and Gib Arnold are scheduled to travel to Baton Rouge later this week.

A viewing will be held at the church from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday. The burial will be conducted immediately after the funeral at Southern Memorial Gardens, 3012 Blount Road, followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ryan Francis Memorial Fund, care of Dan Piershale, Regions Bank, 7265 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, La., 70806. For wiring purposes, the account number is 4302618346 and the routing number is 065403626.