Help Might Be on the Way

It’s unknown how much freshman Sandy Fletcher, who played safety on USC’s football team, will be able to help the basketball team other than provide another 6-foot-3, 185-pound practice body when he joins the team today or Tuesday.

But Fletcher, 18, is not just another athlete trying to play more than one college sport. He does have basketball credentials.

He was a three-year starter at Inglewood High and had an excellent senior season, averaging 19 points, seven rebounds and three steals for a team that finished 30-5. He was the Bay League co-MVP and a 1999 Division II first-team selection.

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Coach Henry Bibby does not want the Trojans becoming dependent on the three-point shot, but USC is getting more accurate from long distance.

In their first five games, the Trojans made only 18 of 78 attempts, or 23.1%. In the past four games they have made 34 of 81, a respectable 37%. Against St. Bonaventure and Loyola Marymount, USC made 10 three-point baskets.

Overall USC has made 49 of 162 three-point shots, which is 30.2%.