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.
Romeo feature
I have a feature on USC recruit Romeo Miller in today's paper.
Romeo's high school teammate at Beverly Hills, Sejin Park, had some surprising criticisms. Surprising in that he was so open with them when he has to play with Romeo next season. Park seemed especially frustrated that Romeo was out working on movies right now while other key members of the team were practicing together trying to get better for next season. I think Park was being honest, probably too honest. But I don't think it's really anything to worry about for Romeo when he gets to USC. He said he wants to concentrate on basketball and school when he gets to college, putting entertainment on hold for four years. He seems serious about that. And handling the O.J. Mayo circus should be plenty of preparation for Floyd before Romeo comes in. Floyd won't put up with selfish play, so Romeo will be on the bench if he's like that at USC. It's not like they are counting on much from him anyway. But he could end up being a pleasant surprise. Romeo thinks Floyd will make him a better player. He already wanted to go to USC because of the location and film school before the team was good. When Floyd came into the program, USC became the only school he could envision himself at. He seems to already bleed Cardinal and Gold.
Comments
Wishful thinking perhaps Mathew?
Your take seems contradictory because on the one hand you say Romeo is willing to put entertainment aside, but on the other, he's choosing USC for the location and the Film School.
IMO, this was a huge mistake on Floyd's part. I know it helped with Demar Derozan, but Floyd was improving our profile and recruiting, and then we got a 2* recruit because of his notoriety. Just a bad pick up (and distraction) IMHO.
Posted by: TommyT | August 5, 2007 10:22 AM
Just watch!!! This is one of the greatest marketing/recruit by Floyd for the best players to be Trojans down the line! Mark my words, the country asks why OJ would come to USC. He is extremely bright, and he understands marketing. This will be BIG! Just watch!!! OJ, DJ, and Taj this year. It will only get better.. Matthew, nice article, can't wait for the season (basketball) because they have a start of something BIG!!
Posted by: scott | August 5, 2007 11:11 AM