The USC Trojans learned many lessons on their European summer tour in Greece and Croatia.
They learned how to play together. Players functioned in different lineup combinations. They were tested by European players with different skill sets and a lot of size. Sunday’s European tour finale against SC Derby was played in an arena which lacked air conditioning. The Trojans had to make a lot of adjustments over the past week. This was good for them, and we’ll hopefully see the results of this tour in November, when this hugely anticipated season begins. However, if one lesson stood out above all others, it should be very clear: USC needs to play at a fast pace.
This is the big takeaway from these three European games: USC has elite guards. The Trojans have one of the best backcourts in the country with Isaiah Collier and Boogie Ellis. If they get in the open floor before an opposing defense can set up in the halfcourt, the Trojans will put themselves in a position to succeed. Collier and Boogie can both push the ball. They can both finish strong at the basket.
Good things happened for USC on this European tour when the Trojans ran the floor off a miss. They didn’t finish every play, but they clearly saw how much easier it is when they don’t have to grind out halfcourt possessions. Previous Andy Enfield teams were not built to play this way and be an offense-first team, but this group is cut from a different cloth.
Past Enfield teams would like to play in the 60s and win by making the game hard for the opponent’s offense. This team will want to play in the 80s and 90s and win by making the game easier for itself.
Previous Enfield teams won ugly. This team needs to win with playmaking prowess and the ample talent it has on the court.
We’ll see how well the Trojans can apply that lesson this fall.
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