Jan. 6, 2004

USC knew that the freshmen class was going to have to produce in order for the team to be successful this season. If you take a look at the freshmen stats for SEC players, it’s pretty obvious they are contributing in every area. The freshmen will have to continue to put up big numbers when No. 14 Florida comes to town on Wednes., Jan. 7 for the 7:30 pm SEC opener.

Renaldo Balkman is in the top 10 of six categories among SEC freshmen. Brandon Wallace is also listed in the top 10 in two categories, with Tre Kelley making the list in one category.

Balkman is No. 3 in spg (1.07) and blocks (1.36), No. 4 in ppg (7.4), No. 5 in rpg (4.9), No. 10 in field goal percentage (50.7%) and three point field goal percentage (31.2%).

Wallace is No. 2 in blocked shots (1.6) and No. 4 on the list in rebounding (5.0 rpg).

Kelley is No. 6 in assists (2.07 apg).

Balkman leads the team with nine dunks. Wallace has the Fab Fives only double-double of the year, collecting 10 points and 11 rebounds against The Citadel on Dec. 3. JUCO transfer Josh Gonner has the highest point total in one game, collecting 19 against N.C. State.

Rankings

USC is ranked No. 36 in the latest Sagarin ratings (1-6-04). It also ranks Carolina’s SOS as 316.

On collegerpi.com, USC is ranked No. 79 (1-6-04). On Sportsline.com, USC’s RPI is No. 71 but its strength of schedule is rated at 295.

In both polls this week USC received votes.