Injured Shackleford’s Future Is Unsettled

Although junior guard Dwayne Shackleford said Thursday that he planned on applying for a medical redshirt and confirmed his desire to return to USC and play for new coach Rick Majerus next season, trainer Mark Pocinich said Shackleford’s playing future was not so clear.

“The arthritis in his knee is causing the swelling, but we haven’t ruled out the entire season yet,” Pocinich said. “But if the swelling’s persistent and it keeps him from playing at a functional level, we’ve got a good case for applying for it.”

Shackleford, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in May and October, has played in four games, averaging 6.5 points on 27.6% shooting, 26.9% from three-point territory, in 18.3 minutes.

“I’ve got to give it time to heal,” Shackleford said. “I wasn’t comfortable out there yet, and I don’t want to hurt my team like that.... It’s killing me to sit and watch.”

And the prospect of playing for Majerus?

“His record speaks for itself,” Shackleford said with a smile.