Fairfax's Solomon Hill confirms commitment to USC

Los Angeles Fairfax High senior forward Solomon Hill, who had committed to Arizona before Coach Lute Olson retired because of health concerns, confirmed Tuesday that he has switched his commitment to USC.

The 6-foot-6 standout said there was a breakdown in communication between Arizona's new coaching staff and recruits. Hill also said he believed Wildcats assistant Mike Dunlap should have been awarded the job that went to Russ Pennell on an interim basis.

"There was no communication," said Hill, who averaged 15.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists last season. "We heard everything through the media. That was kind of bad on their part."

Hill said USC was always his second choice and that he liked the idea of playing for an up-tempo team that continues to improve under Coach Tim Floyd. Hill said he feared that Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill, the Wildcats' top two players, would depart early for the NBA, leaving Arizona to rebuild next season.

Asked about speculation that Floyd had brushed aside other recruits to make room for Hill once Olson retired, Hill said he wasn't concerned.

"If I think it's the best situation for me," Hill said, "I'm going to take it regardless."

Transfer ineligible

De'Andre Daniels, a 6-8 transfer from La Canada Renaissance Academy, has been denied a hardship waiver by the City Section after transferring to Woodland Hills Taft, according to Taft Athletic Director Mark Drucker.

Daniels played as a sophomore last season at Renaissance, which made it to the state Division V championship game. He could appeal the decision before a panel.

Taft also is awaiting word on Bryce Jones, a transfer from L.A. View Park Prep.

No mercy

Santa Ana Mater Dei avoided using the mercy rule Monday night during its season-opening 103-45 victory over Anaheim Loara when both coaches apparently agreed not to invoke it with the Monarchs ahead, 85-33, after three quarters.

There's one problem: They can't do that.

It's a national federation rule that once a team leads by 40 or more points in the fourth quarter, a running clock has to be used. And that's going to be the problem for Mater Dei games this season.

Thom Simmons, Southern Section spokesman, said Tuesday that Assistant Commissioner Rainer Wulf, who's in charge of basketball, would contact both coaches and the officials' association to advise them that they can't ignore the mercy rule.