For Starters, It Could Be the Pits for USC

Judging from USC basketball Coach Henry Bibby’s remarks last week, today’s season opener against New Mexico in the NABC Classic at Albuquerque is nothing more than a tune-up.

An upset of the 11th-ranked Lobos would yield rich rewards to the Trojans. It would open eyes around the country to USC, which qualified for the NCAA tournament last season but lost four starters off that team and is without a player taller than 6-feet-8. this season.

But that isn’t tempting Bibby, who is setting his sights firmly on preparing the Trojans, who went 17-11 overall and 12-6 in the Pacific 10 Conference, for what probably will be a taxing conference schedule.

“I don’t see the New Mexico game as a must-win for this program,” Bibby said last Thursday at the Pac-10 media luncheon. “Its preparation and we’re probably going to play a lot of guys.”

Bibby said he doesn’t know what to expect from his new players. Most of the stars from last year’s team are gone--Rodrick Rhodes, Stais Boseman, David Crouse and Jaha Wilson. But after the Trojans had won exhibition games Friday and Sunday, Bibby seemed encouraged.

“We’re quick, athletic and we’re learning,” Bibby said. “I think [freshmen] Greg Lakey and Kevin Augustine are going to be impact players in the Pac-10.”

On Friday, the 6-8, 200-pound Lakey, scored 16 points against the Slam & Jam Dunk All-Stars. Augustine, playing point guard, scored 20 against the Washington Dunk on Sunday.

Bibby, who said he doesn’t yet know what to expect of his team, should learn a lot about the Trojans when they take on the Lobos before their 17,000-plus raucous fans at the Bob King Court, better known as “the Pit.” The Lobos, were 18-0 there and 25-8 overall last season. Their season ended after a second-round loss to Louisville, 64-63, in the NCAA tournament.

“Playing in the Pit will be a shocker for many of these kids,” Bibby said. “I think some of the freshmen may get rattled. I think some of the seniors may get rattled.”

There will also be Kenny Thomas, the Lobos’ All-American candidate, to worry about. Thomas, a 6-8 junior, has good post moves and can step out and shoot the three-point shot. He is listed at 255 pounds but has had problems with his weight. He played at 280 his freshman year.

USC Notes

The Trojans and Lobos are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. PST, after a game between Auburn and Temple. . . . Both games will be played under experimental rules. Instead of halves, the game the game will be divided into quarters. “I like the concept,” Bibby said. “It gives coaches more time to plan strategy.”