Augustine Makes His Return and Is Ready to Play Again

Kevin Augustine should be back with the Trojans--and back in practice--this afternoon.

The sophomore point guard, expected to start this season, took a leave of absence for personal reasons two weeks ago. He reappeared at USC’s exhibition Saturday night, sitting on the bench in street clothes.

“There were never any problems with my teammates, no problems with my coaches,” he said afterward. “After you play 12 years of basketball, you have to sit down and ask yourself, ‘Is this something that I want to continue doing?’

“I needed some time away to refocus on the things I want to accomplish with this team. . . . the career choices I want to make with my life.”

His return gives the Trojans a veteran who averaged almost eight points and four assists a game in Pacific 10 play last season. Coach Henry Bibby said Augustine will probably dress for the season opener against San Diego State on Tuesday night, but will play behind Brandon Granville and Quincy Wilder.

“I don’t know how much I’ll play on Tuesday,” Augustine said. “Coach already said that if I get back into practice and get some repetitions, I’ll be able to be right back in there again.”

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Bibby and his assistant coaches will spend today reviewing film of USC’s 101-54 victory over the City Sports All-Stars, trying to decide who should start in the opener.

So far, only Jeff Trepagnier has been assured a spot. The 6-foot-4 sophomore will probably play small forward.