Trojans Will Add Height From Ventura

No. 24 USC announced its early-signing-period class Tuesday, confirming that two Ventura College big men will suit up for the Trojans next season.

In Jonathan Oliver, a 7-foot, 230-pound center from New York, and Jack Wolfinger, a 6-foot-11, 225-pound small forward from Portland, Ore., USC is getting multitalented athletes, Ventura Coach Greg Winslow said.

“They’re also getting a lot of height,” Winslow said. “They’re two big kids that can really move and are really versatile for their size.”

USC Coach Henry Bibby said both should make an immediate impact, with forwards Sam Clancy and David Bluthenthal seniors this season.

“[Oliver and Wolfinger] will continue to give the program credibility,” Bibby said. “They can play inside and out. They are big men who will give us a lot of size, which we’ll need next year.”

Oliver is averaging 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocked shots for Ventura College, which is 5-1 and the top-ranked junior college team in the state, No. 4 nationally. He has drawn attention from NBA scouts after playing a season at Indian Hills Community College in Centerville, Iowa, and USC beat out Washington State, Seton Hall, Fresno State, Iowa and Missouri in the recruiting race.

Wolfinger has been slowed by a leg injury and is averaging six points. He played sparingly at St. John’s last season and was recruited by Washington State, Tulsa, Nevada Las Vegas and Kentucky.

“They will make us a much bigger team,” Bibby said, “which is something I want to see.”