Guard Augustine Takes Leave

USC point guard Kevin Augustine, expected to guide the Trojan offense this season, has taken leave from the team for personal reasons.

Augustine met with Coach Henry Bibby on Monday to discuss his status after having missed several days of practice and an exhibition game last week.

“Kevin and I talked today about his situation,” Bibby said. “My concern is that things work out right for him. He knows what he needs to do to return.”

The 6-foot, 185-pound sophomore could not be reached for comment. He was initially reported to have had a minor injury.

His departure coincides with the emergence of freshman Brandon Granville. The former Westchester High star had 11 points, four assists and four steals in the exhibition game Augustine missed last Saturday.

Bibby has praised Granville for showing “superior poise on the floor.”

Meanwhile, Augustine’s future at USC remains in doubt. He is not expected to practice this week and has been suspended for an exhibition game against the City Sports All-Stars at the Lyon Center on Saturday.

His father insisted he will return to the team soon.

“Of course, he wanted to meet with the coaches after being away from practice,” Irby Augustine said. “But he’s back in school and, as far as I know, everything is copacetic.”

Though hampered by a shoulder injury last season, Augustine started 10 games, averaging 6.3 points, 3.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds. He made Pac-10 all-freshman honorable mention and was the leading candidate to start at point guard this season.

As recently as a three weeks ago, Bibby praised his intensity and athleticism, saying, “Kevin Augustine is excited about this season and has a new attitude.”