Dupree Says Foot, Grades Better

Junior forward Jerry Dupree, who is nursing a sore right heel while serving a six-game suspension, came off his crutches earlier than expected last week and is aiming to begin practicing with the Trojans at the semester break, which starts Dec. 18.

“My foot feels a lot better, so I’ve just been walking around on it, putting more pressure on it,” said Dupree, who was diagnosed with a deep bruise. “There was so much swelling around the bone, I’m just glad it wasn’t a stress fracture. I’m getting ready for my comeback.”

Trojan Coach Henry Bibby suspended Dupree in an effort to help him concentrate on his academics and said that the suspension could be reduced if Dupree made enough progress off the court.

Dupree insists his grades have improved.

“Now it’s a health issue,” he said. “My school work is excellent, no worries there.”

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Sophomore starters Errick Craven and Rory O’Neil played the unusual role of spectators Saturday.

Bibby suspended them for one game for violating an unspecified team rule, though all parties involved agreed it was minor. They might play Tuesday at UC Santa Barbara.

“We made a mistake and we’ve got to pay the consequences,” O’Neil said with a smile. “But I can guarantee it won’t happen again.”

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Bibby and USC senior associate athletic director Daryl Gross will meet Monday to discuss the Rhode Island loss.

Bibby thinks a technical foul should have been called after Rhode Island players, cheerleaders and fans stormed the court with 2.2 seconds remaining in the Rams’ 73-71 overtime victory Tuesday.

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UP NEXT

Tuesday at UC Santa Barbara (2-2), 7 p.m. -- USC (2-1) has never lost to the Big West Conference favorite Gauchos, going 11-0, the last five wins coming in the last five years. USC has won the last two games at the Thunderdome by a combined eight points.