Augustine: Granville Wasn’t an Issue

Kevin Augustine, who left the USC basketball team this week and plans to transfer next fall, insists his departure had nothing to do with the emergence of freshman Brandon Granville, who has assumed Augustine’s position as starting point guard.

“It wasn’t an issue about Brandon Granville,” Augustine said. “I was happy for him. I hope the best for him.”

A former Westchester High star, the 5-foot-9 Granville has started every game this season. While his scoring has decreased in recent games, he is on an early pace to break two school records, averaging 6.9 assists and 3.6 steals.

“I’m hoping he will be able to do the job,” Augustine said. “The Pac-10 is a very tough conference.”

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Coach Henry Bibby returned to campus Wednesday from a recruiting trip to the East Coast but had no plans to meet with Augustine. The coach spoke with Augustine’s father by telephone Tuesday evening.

“They’ve made a decision,” Bibby said. “I just hope everything works out for him.”

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The Trojans are practicing on a limited basis this week while players take final exams. The semester ends Monday, the day of the team’s next game, against American at the Sports Arena.