Trojans to play Cal State Los Angeles in exhibition basketball game
A USC men’s basketball team hasn’t played an exhibition game since 2010, but the Trojans will on Saturday as they seek to mesh a roster that is heavy with newcomers.
Cal State Los Angeles is the opponent at 1 p.m. at the Galen Center.
The Trojans will play four freshmen and two transfers in prominent roles, including freshman point guard Jordan McLaughlin and shooting guard Katin Reinhardt, a redshirt sophomore who transferred from Nevada Las Vegas.
“Since we have so many young players, we do have to do a lot of teaching,” said Andy Enfield, who is in his second season as USC’s coach. “Everything we’re doing defensively and offensively is new, basically, to half our team.”
In Enfield’s first season, USC lacked the athleticism and skill needed to master Enfield’s fast, high-flying offensive style. The Trojans finished last in the conference.
This season should offer a more accurate reflection of Enfield’s system, though Enfield said he expects growing pains. The team has just three juniors and no seniors.
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