A timely question
Here's an answer regarding the basketball program.
Q: In general do the basketball players like Coach Floyd? Is he considered a player's coach or more of a task master? Is he a branch on another older coach's coaching tree? Do you see Floyd ever making a Final 4 while at SC (if he stays for a min. of 5 more years)
A: The players do like Tim Floyd. The best example I can give is that Lodrick Stewart, who had his ups and downs at USC, presented Floyd with a certificate last year thanking him for being the best coach he's ever had and helping him so much. Floyd keeps the certificate in his office.
I'd say he's known for being upfront andunderstands how to talk to the players and earn their respect. His biggest influence is former UTEP coach Don Haskins, who he still talks to frequently. Making a Final Four is a big leap, mainly because when USC gets a really good player, they don't want to stay long. If USC kept Nick Young or Gabe Pruitt, they would have that potential this year. But next year will be tough if anyone else joins O.J. Mayo out the door to the NBA.
Yeah, that worked out well for Pruitt.
Thanks Scott. I hope the Trojans can make the Sweet 16 this year to build on last year.
Pruitt may make it yet...
When I was a senior at CSUF a young man in one of my elective classes told our working group he would be in the NBA one day. We all sort of chuckled.
Well after a few years in the CBA, Europe, wherever, the kid made an NBA team. That kid now has earned several Championship rings and is known as a Kobe Stopper. That man is Bruce Bowen of the SA Spurs.
Fight on, Gabe!