Wilkinson becoming more of an inside man

Keith Wilkinson looked like a spiffy new player during USC’s Cardinal and Gold scrimmage Sunday. Call him Keith Wilkinson, version 2.0.

The 6-foot-10 junior forward displayed a sense of assurance that was not present during his first two seasons, when he was often reluctant to shoot even when open.

The results were striking: 14 points and a game-high nine rebounds in 37 minutes. He made six of 11 shots, including two of three from three-point range.

“He’s become a more confident shooter,” Coach Tim Floyd said. “In his role off the bench, it was difficult to come in and just fire away. I think he’s feeling a lot more comfortable.”

Wilkinson said he was also attempting to become more versatile after primarily loitering on the wing as a freshman and sophomore.

“In my whole high school career I’ve been a wing player, a three man, and this summer I was trying to work a lot around the basket and with my back to the basket . . . because here I’ve been playing a lot of the four and five,” Wilkinson said. “It was a lot of back-to-the basket stuff trying to create my own shot once I get the ball in the post.”

Wilkinson got playing time last season primarily as a result of his ability to help USC run its offense without committing turnovers. But his minutes could increase dramatically if his scrimmage performance carries over into the regular season.

Freshman center Mamadou Diarra said his suspected hernia had been bothering him off and on for “a long time” before worsening earlier this week. He was scheduled to be examined today by a doctor who will determine whether surgery is required.

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ben.bolch@latimes.com