DeMar DeRozan lifts USC in exhibition win
USC BASKETBALL
The Trojans' freshman forward scores a team-high 21 points to lead USC over Azusa Pacific, 85-64, in an exhibition game.
DeMar DeRozan attended multiple USC practices and games last season, studying the Trojans in anticipation of joining them.
DeRozan, a freshman forward from Compton High, finally got his chance to play with the Trojans against an opposing team Monday night and he made the most of the opportunity.
DeRozan scored a team-high 21 points and also had seven rebounds as USC defeated Azusa Pacific, 85-64, in an exhibition game in front of 1,872 at the Galen Center.
"I wasn't really nervous," DeRozan said. "I was just excited to be out there to play my first college game in front of everybody and get a chance to really experience the college level -- the speed, the intensity, everything."
Coach Tim Floyd praised DeRozan for his unselfish play.
"He plays without ego, he just plays with talent," Floyd said. "He's very comfortable with his game. . . . He can go get his own shot whenever he wants to, but he knows that's ultimately not what's going to get him better."
Floyd contrasted DeRozan's presence with what he described as "a zoo" at times last season because of the presence of O.J. Mayo.
"He didn't create the zoo, it was a reputation and hype that came early on," Floyd said. "In DeMar's case, a lot of people even in our city don't realize what a great talent he is yet because he really just burst onto the scene at the end of his junior year in high school."
DeRozan said he learned from watching Mayo.
"O.J. had a lot of attention on and off the court and everything," DeRozan said. "With me being the player coming in right after him, a high-profile player, I just try to take everything slow and take it day by day."
Etc.
Senior center Taj Gibson had 19 points and 14 rebounds on a night when several key players, including guard Daniel Hackett and forward Leonard Washington, were held out to rest injuries. . . . Floyd said he is hoping to hear from the NCAA this week regarding the eligibility of forward Alex Stepheson, who transferred from North Carolina. . . . Point guard Donte Smith had 12 assists. Floyd said the junior college transfer "appears to be a Pac-10 level point guard." . . . Floyd said the Trojans needed to improve on defense, reduce turnovers and improve free-throw shooting. The Trojans made 18 of 34 free throws.
Klein is a Times staff writer.
gary.klein@latimes.com
