COLLEGE BASKETBALL : Lighter Harris to Carry Heavier Load for USC

USC point guard Burt Harris knew he would have a bigger role as the Trojans’ only experienced returning backcourt player this season, so he lost weight during the off-season.

Harris, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound sophomore from Fairfax High, began practice for the 1993-94 season this week 15 pounds lighter than he was a year ago and USC Coach George Raveling has noticed the difference.

“Burt has gone through a transformation that is seldom seen in a player over a six-month period,” Raveling told reporters Tuesday after the Trojans’ second day of practice. “I definitely think that the weight he lost has helped his speed and quickness.”

Having a productive season from Harris, who started 27 games last season, will be important for the Trojans, whose expectations are high after finishing 18-12 and reaching the quarterfinals in the National Invitation Tournament last season.

Harris, a Pacific 10 Conference all-freshman pick last season, displayed his improved play this summer when he was an Olympic Sports Festival first-team selection.

The Trojans’ big-play returnee, however, is 6-7 junior forward Lorenzo Orr, who averaged 12 points and 6.8 rebounds in Pac-10 play last season.

“It blows my mind when I see that Lorenzo isn’t rated among the five best players in the Pac-10,” Raveling said.

Another key returnee for USC is 6-7 senior Mark Boyd, who averaged 7.4 points and 6.7 rebounds last season.

Tremayne Anchrum, Damaine Powell and Brandon Martin are key reserves from last season and will be joined by touted freshmen Avondre Jones, a 6-10 center; Stais Boseman, a 6-3 guard; Claude Green, a 6-3 guard, and Jaha Wilson, a 6-6 forward.

“There are a lot of expectations for the season and most are justified,” said Raveling, who has a 64-29 record at USC since March of 1990. “This team has the most talent here since I’ve been at USC.”

The Trojans open the season Nov. 27, when they play Pennsylvania, the defending Ivy League champion, at the Sports Arena.