USC Basketball Practice: Enfield Focuses on Scrimmage
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On Monday, the focus of USC Basketball practice was implementing a couple of new offensive sets and out-of-bounds plays, and according to coach Andy Enfield, the team did a "fine" job of putting in the new sets.
USC huddles follow the team's practice. (Alex Wowra/Neon Tommy)
While the new plays were run during the practice-ending scrimmage, Enfield noted that tomorrow's scrimmage will have actual referees and be a better indictator of how the plays are working. The team has been running a lot of 5-on-5 not only to review the new plays, but also to hash out which constellation of players will ultimately compose the starting five. The highlight of the scrimmage was a transition between-the-legs bounce-pass from Pe’Shon Howard, the senior point guard transfer from Maryland.
One of the primary concerns for the coaching staff is to limit turnovers despite playing in an up-tempo system. The players were shown stats and video of their Saturday scrimmage, which Coach Enfield called an “eye opener” for the team. “We give our guys a lot of freedom,” said Enfield, “but when the risks outweigh the reward we have to reign it back in.”
The most consistent player since practices started has been Omar Oraby, according to Enfield. The 7-foot-2 center from Egypt's main focus was being in shape heading into this season for the Trojans fast-paced offense. “It’s good, everyone likes it," Oraby said on the new system. "It’s a very exciting and fun way to play.”
Injury update:
-Guard Byron Wesley “tweaked” his ankle, but should be back at practice tomorrow, according to Coach Enfield.
-Center D.J. Haley has been dealing with a sprained neck but is expected back at practice later this week.
