Trepagnier May Regain Starting Job

USC Coach Henry Bibby said Tuesday he was considering putting Jeff Trepagnier back in the starting lineup.

Trepagnier, a senior guard, was sidelined for most of the season while under suspension during an NCAA investigation. Freshman Desmon Farmer has averaged 9.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in Trepagnier’s place.

Trepagnier returned to action Jan. 4 against Washington. He played 34 minutes against UCLA on Thursday, scoring 13 points and grabbing seven rebounds.

“He could be [a starter] this weekend,” Bibby said. “I thought he was very good against UCLA. He does bring a dimension to us that we don’t have. He’s so active, deflecting balls, getting you easy baskets. He has so many intangibles that we haven’t had.”

When asked if this is a good time to change a lineup that is 12-3 and ranked 20th in the nation, Bibby said he would do what he felt is best for the team.

*

Arizona Coach Lute Olson, whose wife, Bobbi, died of ovarian cancer on Jan. 1, will return to the team for Thursday’s game.