DeRozan proving his coach right

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‘I think he’s the best in the country.’

Those words came from the mouth of Compton Coach Tony Thomas a few weeks ago, regarding his prodigy protege DeMar DeRozan.

The best in the country? I thought. Bold. Too bold.

Or maybe not.

DeRozan -- ranked as a top-10 player nationally and bound for USC -- is proving his coach right. Last night he torched the scoreboard for 47 points in a 100-88 win against a superb Gahr team in the Torrey Pines tournament’s National Division quarterfinals. DeRozan has now scored more than 30 points in six games this season and is averaging 31.6 points and 8.2 rebounds.

Tonight, DeRozan and the No. 5-ranked Tarbabes (10-3) are playing No. 21 Simi Valley (12-0) in the semifinals.

- Anthony Stitt

- Image courtesy of Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times