Matthew Kredell broke into the Daily News in 1998, working part time
at the paper while going to USC. The basketball team’s Elite Eight
run in 2000-01 was USC’s athletic highlight in his time at the
school, when the football team was stuck in the Paul Hackett-era.
After graduating in 2001, he started writing for the Daily News full
time. He’s in his second year covering USC, which coincides with the
rise of the program. He’ll take credit for the success, though Tim
Floyd may have more to do with it. A third-generation Los Angelean,
he grew up reading the Daily News while at El Camino Real High School
in Woodland Hills.
Young and the NBA
Late note today because I had to rush to make my plane to Spokane. Here now. Crisp but clear night. Team has a view of the Spokane River outside their window, with the arena and their tournament hopes lying just on the other side.
A strong NCAA Tournament by Nick Young could go a long way toward getting the junior the guarantee of a first-round selection in the NBA draft that he desires.
But USC’s leading scorer is cautious not to put too much pressure on himself. He believes trying to impress NBA scouts is what led to struggles early in the season.
Young averaged 15 points over the first eight games. After taking a step back and deciding he was trying too hard, he averaged 18.1 over the last 26 games.
``They’re going to be looking for me to do something, but I can’t put that pressure on myself,’’ Young said. ``All I can do is try to win games. If we keep winning then everyone’s stock will go up, not just mine.’’
The Trojans play their first-round game Friday against Arkansas in Spokane, Wash.
Young said a recent talk with USC coach Tim Floyd has him thinking about returning for his senior year even if he is considered a first-round pick.
``Coach was talking about how the team could be top-5 next year,’’ Young said. ``That would bring a lot of national attention to boost me up even higher. So I don’t really know yet.’’
USC is expected to add top recruits O.J. Mayo and Davon Jefferson next season to a team that could only lose senior Lodrick Stewart, among major contributors, if Young decides to stay.
Young said he went to Floyd and asked if his role would change with the addition of Mayo.
``At first, I wasn't sure there would be a spot on the team for me.''Young said. ``But coach has a lot of confidence in me and he put to rest those concerns.''
Young has been referring agents to Andre Chevalier, his former high school coach at Cleveland of Reseda.
``I’ve been trying to meet with individuals and ask any questions I think Nick and his family would have,’’ Chevalier said. ``I’m down to three-to-four candidates for the family to talk to after the season.’’