Morrison Says This USC Team Will Be One of His Quickest

USC’s basketball team, defending co-champion of the Pacific 10, opened practice Monday and Coach Stan Morrison said it is one of the quickest teams he has had since he has been at the school.

Morrison lost four regulars, Wayne Carlander, Glenn Smith, Clayton Olivier and Ron Holmes, but guard Larry Friend, forward Derrick Dowell, centers Charlie Simpson and Rod Keller, and swingman Kevin Steward are back.

Morrison also has some highly regarded newcomers, such as freshmen Tom Lewis, Eric Gathers and Greg Kimble, and center Ivan Verberckt, who formerly played for Cal State Long Beach.