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.
Pruitt hopes for playing time
For a second round NBA pick, nothing is guaranteed. But Gabe Pruitt looks like a cinch to get a roster spot on the Boston Celtics after the team traded away point guard Sebastian Telfair in the deal to acquire Kevin Garnett.
``It definitely opens up a chance for me to step in and get a lot of playing time,'' Pruitt said Sunday before the L.A. Stars All-Star Celebrity Basketball Game. ``But there's nothing set in stone so I'm ready to go in and work to earn a spot.''
Pruitt assured that he hasn't turned on the Trojans despite this picture making the rounds on the Internet of him wearing a UCLA shirt.
``I was over with a couple of guys at UCLA and decided to put on one of their shirts,'' Pruitt said. ``It's all fun and games. I didn't keep it. I'm still a Trojan.''