Augustine Is Expected Back Next Week

Point guard Kevin Augustine, who took a leave from the team for personal reasons last week, is expected to return Monday.

Augustine, a projected starter, has missed numerous practices and is suspended for an exhibition game on Saturday. Coach Henry Bibby might also hold him out of the nonconference opener Nov. 17 against San Diego State.

Bibby said the sophomore is “dealing with some issues within himself.”

“I called him twice this morning at his dorm and right now he’s doing OK,” Bibby said. “Our arms are open. We’ve welcomed him back.”

Still, Augustine has dropped below freshman Brandon Granville and junior college transfer Quincy Wilder on the depth chart. Granville was impressive in last Saturday’s exhibition game.

“We’ve talked about [starting the freshman],” Bibby said. “He’s ready to meet the challenge.”

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Nate Hair, a 6-foot-4 guard from Capistrano Valley High, and Luke Minor, a mammoth center from the Blue Ridge School in St. George, Va., are expected to sign letters of intent with the Trojans in the coming week.

Minor is 7-3 and 285 pounds . . . and still growing.

“Luke has barely gotten into the weight room,” Blue Ridge Coach Bill Ramsey said. “I could easily see him playing at 300 to 325 pounds.”

Oregon and Kansas State pursued Minor, who reportedly decided on USC during a recent recruiting visit. His coach said he will need some work to make the jump to Pacific 10 Conference basketball.

“He’s going to have to improve his ability to get up and down the court,” Ramsey said. “But he’s got some nice moves from 10 feet and, defensively, he’s a very good shot blocker.”