Guard Wilder to Leave USC

USC lost its second point guard in three months when junior Quincy Wilder announced Wednesday he plans to transfer.

Wilder, at home in Puyallup, Wash., for spring break, said he was unhappy with his inconsistent playing time this season.

“Some games the minutes would be there, other games they wouldn’t,” he said. “You’re out there worrying about whether you’re going to be taken back out of the game.”

His departure leaves USC with only freshman Brandon Granville at the point and puts greater pressure on Coach Henry Bibby to recruit another ballhandler.

Less than a year ago, Wilder transferred from Highline Community College in Des Moines, Wash., arriving at USC with teammate Brian Scalabrine and coach Joe Callero. Recruited as a scorer, he switched positions after sophomore Kevin Augustine left the team in December.

But Wilder never seemed comfortable as a ballhandler, averaging five points and two assists in 27 games. He left the team for several days early in the season before returning to finish the schedule.

His best performance came in his final moments as a Trojan.

In a first-round NIT loss at Wyoming, Wilder came off the bench to make a pair of three-point baskets and two free throws, scoring eight points in 19 seconds.

“He did a nice job for us, but he wanted to go on and try something else,” Bibby said. “I have no problem with that. I want kids who want to be here.”