Nov. 12, 2003

USC hosts Inter Hoop (Lithuania) on Thursday, Nov. 13 in the USC Practice Facility at 7:30 pm. Admission is free. Seating is limited and the doors open at 6:00 pm.

Coach Odom’s met with the media Wednesday, previewing the exhibition Thursday night with Lithuania. Game notes are up at uscsports.com.

Four not expected to play on Thursday:

Brandon Wallace has been bothered by back spasms the last 10 days. He is questionable for tomorrow night.

Rolando Howell has had a bit of a thigh strain. He is expected back on Friday full speed. He will not play in the first 12 contests due to his suspension.

Renaldo Balkman is not injured but he will not play the exhibition due to night class.

Tre Kelley had a grade one concussion the day before last but is feeling better. He is questionable.

On playing the exhibition tomorrow night vs. Lithuania

“Playing in the USC Practice Facility will be an experience. I expect we will have a good crowd and it will be very loud. It’s a smaller facility – I haven’t played a game like this before in facility like this. It should be a lot of fun.”

“It will be a good way to see the younger players perform and to see how the older players have progressed. Lithuania is a very good team, they only lost to Missouri by eight points. It will be good for us to play a good team, it’s what we need this time of year. Those are the type of teams that get your attention.”

What are some things you will look to work on against Lithuania?

“We need to move our defense along. We are not as strong inside as we would like to be. I am particularly eager to look at us tomorrow night. Both Lithuania and Gardner-Webb (first round opponent in the Guardians Classic on Monday) play with guys who play a lot on the perimeter. Our rebounding has picked up quite a bit because we have worked hard on that area.”

What should fans expect to see tomorrow night or Monday night?

“We are a different team in every way from last year. Those veteran faces they have seen the past four years are gone. We only have two players in the line-up with measurable experience in Carlos Powell and Mike Boynton. Our newcomers have shown a great deal of promise and fans will like the excitement they bring.

“Mike Boynton has been at USC for four years. We hope we haven’t pushed him past his abilities to keep up. He was in sync with the old style, but we feel confident that Mike, Tre Kelley and Jarod Gerald can all play the point.

What about the leadership of Carlos Powell and Mike Boynton?

“Leadership is the primary responsibility of the veteran players. Rolando, Carlos and Mike should all fill the leadership role. Leadership is essential. It’s essential in that we have to get confidence and motivation from the team leaders – they are the pulse of the team, the ones that push, the motivators. We aren’t going to have a picture perfect season. It’s easy to lead when you’re doing well. It’s tough to lead when you are not doing as well and that’s when they will need to step up.”

What can you tell us about the newcomers?

“Josh Gonner has been the most consistent player as a newcomer. He is a good player, fast, quick.

“Tre Kelley is like any freshman on this team. Last year he was the best player on his team or one of thee best. It’s a shock when they come to college – as coaches – we have to push them to change their attitude and continue to work hard.”