It was a long seven months for USC Trojans freshman Vince Iwuchukwu. After many anxiety-laden months marked by uncertainty about his basketball future, he made his debut at the Galen Center against the Colorado Buffaloes on January 12, and the emotions were high.
USC coach Andy Enfield discussed Iwuchukwu in a video released by USC Athletics, and he touched on his terrific personality.
“He has a perfect smile, charisma behind it,” Enfield said of Iwuchukwu. “He’s kept that big personality and that big mile and he’s very passionate about the game of basketball. He cares about winning, but he also cares about the individuals on our staff and our team.”
When he made his debut, everything was emotional. The fans, the staff, the players, his family, and everybody in the arena were waiting for him to check in.
Enfield gave insights on that moment. He admitted he was excited about Iwuchukwu’s debut on the court.
“It was exciting for me as a coach to know what he’s been through, physically and mentally. It was just a great accomplishment to see him leave the bench and go to the scorer’s table and go into the game.”
He played just five minutes in the game, but seeing Iwuchukwu playing basketball again has to be the best moment of the season for USC basketball.
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