Tip Jam Becomes Trepagnier’s Trademark

Every time the Trojans miss a jump shot, it’s an opportunity for sophomore Jeff Trepagnier to score on his favorite play: the tip jam.

With uncanny leaping ability, Trepagnier stretches above the rim, controls the rebound with one hand and dunks, all in one motion. He’s been performing such acrobatics with surprising regularity this season, making one or two per game.

“He gives us another dimension,” Coach Henry Bibby said.

Trepagnier explained: “I’ve been practicing that. I work hard to find an open spot and find my way into the lane.”

*

Quincy Wilder may have two junior college seasons under his belt, but now that he has become a backup point guard for the Trojans, he’s been picking up pointers from freshman starter Brandon Granville.

At Highline Community College in Des Moines, Wash., Wilder divided his time between forward and guard. He wasn’t “in a point-guard mentality” when he arrived at USC.

“So I watch [Granville] and try to learn some stuff,” he said.

But at 20 years old, he has more experience than Granville, which means a lot on a team with only two seniors and one other junior in the rotation.

“I’m kind of an older guy on this team,” Wilder said. “I think I’m ready for the challenge ahead.”