Basketball Statements

STATEMENT FROM USC HEAD COACH KEVIN O'NEILL (3-9-10):

"I have had to make the difficult decision of telling both Phil Johnson and Gib Arnold
that I have not retained them on our coaching staff.
"Everyone connected with the USC men's basketball program appreciates the time and
effort they gave us. They are outstanding coaches and I firmly believe both would make
excellent head coaches.
"This is a decision I wrestled with for a while. It had nothing to do with their coaching
ability or performance, or with any issues related to the current status of the Trojan
program. It simply has to do with the vision I have for how I want to structure this
program. I want to move in a different direction.
"We thank both of them immensely."

STATEMENT FROM GIB ARNOLD (3-9-10):

"Having been raised in this game, I am well aware of the business side of college
basketball. I have known for some time that Coach O'Neill would like to bring in his
own guys to assist him. I understand and support this decision and wish Kevin, his new
staff and the USC basketball team all my best.
"I am thankful that I was able to help Kevin during his transition year. I am also very
grateful for the five wonderful years I spent as part of the Trojan family. This five-year
period produced more wins, NCAA appearances and NBA players than any other such
span in USC basketball history. I am very proud that I could play a role in that success.
"As for now, I am looking forward to pursuing other coaching options and to continue
building championship programs. Fight On!"

STATEMENT FROM PHIL JOHNSON (3-9-10):

"This is best for Kevin O'Neill and for Phil Johnson. I'm proud of being part of threestraight
20-win seasons and three-straight NCAA appearances, both school records.
"I have no doubt that Kevin and his new staff will do extremely well and I'm sure exceed
that.
"I appreciate everyone at USC. I have really enjoyed my time at USC and would like to
thank everyone in the Trojan family. It has been a great five years and I will always have
fond memories of my time at USC."