Oliver Is Ineligible for Six Games

When asked Monday, the first day of fall classes at USC, whether his basketball team was healthy, physically and academically, Coach Henry Bibby smiled.

“No news,” he said. “Everything’s fine.”

Less than 48 hours later, however, all was not entirely right in Heritage Hall, as senior center Jonathan Oliver is ineligible to play during the fall semester -- a stretch that includes six games -- because he fell below full-time student status by taking less than 12 units.

With finals ending Dec. 17, Oliver could potentially return for the Trojans’ nonconference game at Fresno State on Dec. 19, as long as he is registered for a full load for the spring semester.

Oliver, who turns 25 next month, was scouted by several NBA teams while playing at Ventura College before transferring to USC last year but the slender 7-footer, who has gained weight this summer to get to 230 pounds, averaged only 2.5 points and 1.6 rebounds in 7.8 minutes over 17 games last season.

Against Morris Brown, however, Oliver had season bests of 19 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 24 minutes. He declined to comment.

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Bibby’s 83-year-old mother, Evelyn Bibby, died Wednesday morning at her home in North Carolina after a lengthy heart-related illness.

Bibby is expected to be gone from USC for at least a week tending to family matters.

-- Paul Gutierrez