Saia Plans to Keep Floyd Busy

New USC Coach Tim Floyd is scheduled to meet with the current staff Monday at Heritage Hall.

Interim Coach Jim Saia plans to keep him busy.

“I might bug him to watch some film for us because he’s officially an assistant coach for us,” Saia said Saturday night after USC’s 98-94 victory over Arizona State in Wells Fargo Arena.

“I might put him to work for a couple of months. Seriously, Tim Floyd is a great coach. Heck, I’m hoping to pick his brain and learn from him.”

Saia and players expressed relief that the Trojans had finally ended a coaching search process extended when ESPN analyst Rick Majerus abruptly resigned the position in December.

“It’s good that he’s going to be here for the whole summer and next year,” freshman forward Nick Young said. “I just hope he doesn’t leave after [five] days like Rick did.”

At his introductory news conference Friday, Floyd insisted he’s in it for the long haul, and he plans to meet with players about an hour after Monday’s session with Saia and the other holdovers from Henry Bibby’s staff.

Saia said USC made a wise choice in hiring Floyd. “I’m glad there’s closure to it,” he said.

“[Athletic Director] Mike Garrett gave me a great opportunity to coach this team, and I want to do whatever I can to help Tim.”

UP NEXT

Thursday vs. California, 7:30 p.m., Sports Arena -- Young averaged 20 points against Arizona and Arizona State. Cal has struggled this season while playing without injured forward Leon Powe, last season’s Pacific 10 Conference freshman of the year.