Basketball Opener

1. Can USC coach Kevin O'Neill avoid a second-year jinx?
The Trojans surprised observers last season and were in contention for the Pacific-10 Conference title until the final four games. But that team relied on seniors Dwight Lewis, Marcus Johnson and Mike Gerrity and also featured former forward Leonard Washington. USC will not sneak up on any opponents this season.

2. How quickly will the freshmen contribute?
Diminutive point guard Maurice Jones is expected to start today and will need to run the offense by himself until Fordham-transfer Jio Fontan is eligible in December. Shooting guard Bryce Jones from Taft High School in Woodland Hills is also expected to be a starter at some point and carry some of the offensive burden. Small forward Garrett Jackson and power Curtis Washington will be critical reserves because the Trojans lack depth at the frontcourt positions.

3. Will the fans show up?
USC basketball fans have steadily deserted the program since O.J. Mayo's lone season. Last year's NCAA sanctions did not help but were really no excuse for the disappointing season average of 5,016 per game. That was not the promised attendance when the Galen Center was built.

4. Can Alex Stepheson and Nikola Vucevic play an entire game?
USC's big men are definitely a team strength but the Trojans will need them on the court a lot this season. Curtis Washington is the only other natural post player, so if Stepheson gets in foul trouble, the Trojans might need to go small, perhaps with two guards (Maurice Jones, Bryce Jones) and two small forwards (Marcus Simmons, Garrett Jackson).

5. Can this USC team make the NCAA Tournament?
The Trojans are eligible for the post-season, unlike the football team. They were picked sixth in the Pacific-10 Conference but should be able to make the NIT with an outside chance at the NCAA Tournament if the freshmen make a smooth transition.