USC Basketball: What to expect from the 2017 recruiting class
By Stuart Gill
What can we expect from the freshmen in year one
The 2017 class is joining a group that needed just a few more weapons to make it to the Final Four a year ago. With the most obvious need being at the center position, look for Uyaelunmo to become a difference-maker as soon as he sets foot on campus. The Trojans need his versatility and size, so they will get him as much experience as possible before the start of the season.
O’Bannon brings talent that USC will surely benefit from; though, whether he assumes a starting role or chips in off the bench remains to be seen. He will likely start the year on the bench due to the presence of more experienced guards like McLaughlin, Stewart, and Shaqquan Aaron, who nearly went pro. But head coach Andy Enfield has never been opposed to playing young talent, so it would not be surprising to see O’Bannon’s role grow early in the season if he performs well.
Usher will likely take a year to develop his game (namely, his shooting) while the Trojans attempt a deep run into the NCAA Tournament. But with USC losing guards next season to graduation, and likely to lose Metu, Boatwright, and Aaron to the draft, Usher is an important piece for the future. Coach Enfield will want to do anything he can to give Usher game experience as a freshman so that he is a more confident starter as a sophomore.
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If all goes according to plan, Enfield will rely on Boatwright and Metu for consistent offense, Uyaelunmo to anchor the defense, and players like McLaughlin, Stewart, Melton, and O’Bannon to take turns having performances that allow USC to take down tough Pac-12 opponents. If they are able to put it all together, USC is ready to play deep into March.