Bibby Not Looking for Depth

The practices Henry Bibby scheduled Friday and today for his team are probably the last chance for several bench players to impress him before Pacific 10 Conference play.

Bibby said he planned to give Kostas Charissis, Nate Hair, Rashad Jones and Malachi Thurston some work with the starters “to see where they fit in.”

But Bibby added these “looks” are not auditions for extended playing time. With conference play beginning Thursday, USC will rise or fall with the starting unit.

“I think we have decent enough players that we can go in every night, play them 32-37 minutes a night and be OK,” Bibby said.

“Rashad, Nate and Malachi can step in and give us three to four minutes if we need it or guys get in foul trouble. I think they have proven that over the previous 12 games we’ve had. Kostas has stepped in and done a decent job. So I’ve been very pleased with those guys across the table, knowing I can go to the bench for a few minutes if I have to.

“I can put those guys in the game. Will they play 20 minutes? No. You want your main guys on the floor the majority of the time. If I have to go to the bench, I’m OK with the guys I just talked about. But we’re not here to depend on those guys to play substantial minutes. We’re looking at them giving the starters a breather.”