Trojans Fret Over Hackett Injury
USC guard Daniel Hackett will not play Sunday vs. UCLA, the Trojans say, and may not be back this season, either.
Of course, USC said Hackett wouldn't play against Arizona State, and he made that game. So ...
But let's go along with the company line and say Hackett is out.
That could mean problems for the Trojans in their rematch with the Bruins at Galen Center on Sunday.
Said USC coach Tim Floyd: "There's a scenario that (Hackett) won't play this year. I hope he can return. ... He is in no position to play basketball."
Hackett, a 20-year-old sophomore guard (O.J. Mayo is a 20-year-old freshman; go figure) was a key performer for the Trojans in their three-game push into the NCAA Tournament a year ago but has been slowed by injuries this season.
USC describes Hackett's injury as a hairline fracture in the lumbar area (lower part) of his spinal column. With accompanying back spasms that have left Hackett nearly immobile.
He is averaging 9.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 30.5 minutes per game.
Asked what missing Hackett means, Floyd didn't hold back.
"We lost maybe our most passionate player," he said. "Our best rebounder from the perimeter, our best drive-and-kick (player) ... Perhaps our most difficult matchup for UCLA.
"And because of his experience, one of our best game-plan guys .... He's a cerebral player. Arguably more poised than a guy his age should be."
Floyd also said injuries and transfers have left uSC with "what, seven scholarship players?" And neither of the reserves, he noted, is a perimeter player.