USC's Keith Wilkinson has staying power

USC Coach Tim Floyd learned that about the big lug of a forward a few years ago, after giving Wilkinson a one-year promise that has become a four-year run. But another reminder comes today, when the Trojans play Oral Roberts at the Galen Center.

The Trojans go into the game without power forward Leonard Washington, who is out two to four weeks with a high ankle sprain. They have Mamadou Diarra, a 7-foot freshman, and Nikola Vucevic, a 6-10 freshman, who can absorb some minutes. But both are still experiencing collegiate basketball growing pains.

So the safe and sane call probably will be the 6-10 Wilkinson, a senior who burrowed his way into the program. The reason is simple.

"Once you put him out there, he'll figure out a way to impact the game," USC guard Daniel Hackett said. "He might not make shots, but he does other things that people don't see."

That is how Wilkinson has managed to carve out a career with the Trojans, by doing stuff. If you need a rebound, call on him. If you need someone clapping on the bench, turn to him. If there is an ice bucket in your bed, well, start by questioning him.

Wilkinson has immersed himself in the program to keep his head above water. He had few offers coming out of Mission Viejo Capistrano Valley High in 2005. Floyd, meanwhile, had nine scholarships, and a need for players. But there was a string attached.

"We didn't want to be married to nine guys that first year," Floyd said. "It was the spring signing date and typically those guys are left over for a reason. Most guys sign in November.

"We told Keith that if he wanted to tell his grandkids one day that he played in the Pac-10, then come on. But we were not going to commit to him for four years. We told his parents, his coach and Keith that for him to continue on scholarship, he was going to prove he was a guy who could play against Arizona and UCLA."

Wilkinson was re-upped for his sophomore year. Then, after a victory over Arizona that season, Floyd stopped practice.

Said Wilkinson: "He said, 'Keith call your parents and tell them you're going to be here. There will be no one-year deals.' "

He hadn't scored a point and had only one rebound in the Arizona game. He merely played 14 solid minutes. That was enough.