Tag: Vince Iwuchukwu

Boogie Ellis and Drew Peterson score, Vince Iwuchukwu defends the floor, USC wants more

The Boogie-Peterson show gives #USC big baskets. Vince Iwuchukwu’s defense prevents opponents from getting big baskets. It’s a perfect formula for the Trojans.

The USC Trojans aren’t a complete team just yet, but they’re certainly a more well-rounded team now than they were one month ago.

It doesn’t seem like an accident or idle coincidence that the Trojans are making a push toward the NCAA Tournament with Vince Iwuchukwu having more of a role on this team (or frankly, any role at all).

Without Iwuchukwu, it was clear USC was missing a key piece to the puzzle. The Trojans lacked Vince’s defense, rebounding, length, and size. A constant theme connected to Iwuchukwu since he began playing for this team on January 12 is that he isn’t adding to USC’s numbers or its statistical totals. Iwuchukwu contributes by limiting the statistical output and numerical advantages of opponents.

When Vince the Prince comes into a game, the opponent stops collecting offensive rebounds and second-chance points. Opponents don’t get easy baskets. They don’t get lots of free throws. The game becomes harder for opponents when Iwuchukwu is on the floor for USC.

Iwuchukwu made the defining plays of this game, even though Boogie Ellis (23 points) and Drew Peterson (20 points) made the game’s most important baskets for the Trojans. Boogie and Drew scored in crunch time, but Iwuchukwu prevented Washington State from scoring down the stretch.

With 1:50 left, Washington State trailed USC by three, 71-68. Iwuchukwu blocked one shot at the rim, but then recovered to block another shot on the perimeter, forcing a shot-clock violation with 1:20 left. Peterson then hit the dagger 3-pointer to give USC a 74-68 cushion with 52 seconds to go.

Iwuchukwu doesn’t have to score; his backcourt teammates can do that. As long as Iwuchukwu can defend and rebound, USC is getting what it absolutely needs from him. Stuffing an opponent’s jump shot is as good as making a basket at the other end of the court.

Boogie and Peterson get it done on offense, Iwuchukwu on defense. Now that USC has a fuller roster, it is much more like the team Andy Enfield hoped to have all season.

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Andy Enfield speaks with great admiration for USC freshman Vince Iwuchukwu

The respect Andy Enfield has for Vince Iwuchukwu clearly shines through at #USC.

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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Vince Iwuchukwu, given a second chance at life, opens up about his love for basketball

#USC freshman Vince Iwuchukwu clearly appreciates this second chance to play basketball after he suffered cardiac arrest last summer.

When USC Trojans freshman Vince Iwuchukwu suffered cardiac arrest in the summer of 2022, the doctors told him he wouldn’t be able to play basketball again.

In a video released by USC Athletics, Iwuchukwu detailed his incident and revealed that it was a tough pill for him to swallow.

“When I was rushing to the ambulance, I was like, basketball was done for me. The doctors told me it was done,” he said. “That was it. I told my mom and dad ‘It’s fine, I don’t have to play again.'”

However, it wasn’t that easy, and emotions overcame Iwuchukwu.

“And 10 minutes later, I started crying. It’s so hard to leave this game. It’s given me so much … I have so much respect for that orange ball that I’m willing to take whatever recovery road I have to to come back and play it. All the necessary precautions I’m going to do it.”

Iwuchukwu then spent seven months rehabbing, training, doing therapy, and working nonstop in order to return to the game he loves. On January 12, that dream became a reality. The Galen Center was full of fans. Iwuchukwu’s family was on hand for his USC debut against the Colorado Buffaloes.

It’s a lot to take in, but Vince Iwuchukwu is aware of just how much it means to him.

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Vince Iwuchukwu gives credit to ‘superheroes’ on USC training staff for saving his life

#USC’s trainers, led by Jon Yonamine, sprang into action and saved Vince Iwuchukwu, a parallel with the Bills’ trainers who saved Damar Hamlin. 3 cheers for Jon and his team!

USC Trojans freshman Vince Iwuchukwu suffered cardiac arrest in the summer of 2022 and wondered if he could play basketball again. It was a terrifying situation for everybody, but Iwuchukwu was able to make his debut on January 12 against the Colorado Buffaloes.

In a 10-minute video released by USC Athletics, Iwuchuwu, assistant coach Eric Mobley, and head coach Andy Enfield spoke at great lengths about the day the cardiac arrest happened and the journey from that point on. However, Iwuchukwu made sure to give a massive shoutout to the training staff for everything they did for him.

“I appreciate all the training staff and the coaching staff for doing what they did,” Iwuchukwu said.

He shouted out “JY,” Jon Yonamine, the associate athletic trainer for USC and lead men’s basketball trainer, who resuscitated Iwuchukwu.

“We’ve had a close bond from the whole event happening. I can’t thank them enough for what they did… I mean they’re superheroes. Superheroes save people’s lives and that’s what they did.”

When events like this happen, the training staff and team doctors work even harder to make sure everything is going well, and Iwuchukwu’s seven-month-long journey was a huge testament to the entire staff.

Iwuchukwu is playing basketball again, and none of it would have been possible if it weren’t for the effort of the training staff. It’s a very clear parallel with the Buffalo Bills’ trainers saving Damar Hamlin’s life after he suffered an episode of what is believed to be commotio cordis against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 2.

Three cheers for Jon Yonamine and the rest of the great USC athletics training staff! They truly are superheroes. They proved it when they had to act quickly.

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Vince Iwuchukwu describes his emotional USC basketball debut

USC freshman Vince Iwuchukwu recalled his momentous college basketball debut three weeks ago in a powerful video. This is truly what it means to #FightOn.

When Vince Iwuchuku suffered cardiac arrest over the summer, it seemed that he might never be able to play the game of basketball again.

Yet, somehow, against all odds, he worked hard and was able to make his USC debut on January 12 against the Colorado Buffaloes.

In a video released by USC Athletics, Iwuchukwu detailed his much-anticipated debut at the Galen Center:

“The walk from the bench to the scorer’s table felt like an eternity,” he said in the video. “When I got into the game, going over to the free throw line felt like it was forever. But as soon as the ball was played, everything felt fast.”

His family was in attendance, and it was an emotional night for everybody involved after he defied the odds.

“After that game, it felt like part of my journey was complete. It was a long seven months, it was like a checkpoint,” he said. “It was celebratory for me to be on that court … It was a joy having my family here. It was the best moment of the year … That was something I’m never going to forget.”

He played just five minutes against Colorado, but it was a massive step in the right direction. Not even 10 days later, he played 14 minutes and scored 12 points against Arizona State.

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Vince Iwuchukwu doesn’t dominate UCLA, but holds his own and provides important contributions

Vince Iwuchukwu didn’t crush UCLA, but when he entered the game, the Bruins didn’t crash the glass nearly as successfully. Vince faced a tough foe and didn’t back down.

The box score will tell you that in 17 minutes against UCLA, Vince Iwuchukwu gave USC 6 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 blocked shot with 2 turnovers. On the surface, that’s not hugely impressive, and it’s true that Iwuchukwu did not overwhelm UCLA. He wasn’t the first, second, or even the third reason the Trojans beat the Bruins.

Boogie Ellis was the star with 31 points. Drew Peterson collected 16 points and played 39 minutes of high-energy defense. Kobe Johnson was everywhere, posting 10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals.

Iwuchukwu was not the central reason for USC’s 77-64 win over UCLA, but his 17 minutes were a study in hidden value, in unseen contributions.

Iwuchukwu didn’t load up on stats, but his value to USC came through what wasn’t seen.

Iwuchukwu watched teammate Joshua Morgan give up a lot of offensive rebounds to UCLA. When Iwuchukwu came in, UCLA didn’t get very many offensive boards. This was a game in which Iwuchukwu reduced UCLA’s statistical imprint more than increasing his own.

That counts just the same, only in a different way.

The most encouraging part of Iwuchukwu’s performance: He looked physically strong against UCLA — not superior, but able to hold his own. He had a shot blocked by UCLA’s Adem Bona, but that was a product of not having smooth, polished footwork. That will come in time. The main thing is that Iwuchukwu was not rag-dolled by the Bruins’ frontcourt. He held position and was not overpowered.

Now that he has been able to face Arizona’s and UCLA’s frontcourts over the past week, future games against less imposing Pac-12 frontcourts should be more manageable. You saw Iwuchukwu dominate Arizona State. He should be able to feast against Washington State and Washington next week. If he does, USC’s margin for error will increase. The Trojans won’t lose any of the games which could imperil their NCAA Tournament chances.

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USC rocks UCLA with second-half surge, takes huge step toward 2023 NCAA Tournament

It was a season-defining game, a true gut-check moment. #USC answered the call with a stunning 52-27 second-half demolition of UCLA. Statement made.

In the first of two games this season between USC and UCLA, the Trojans fell behind by 16 points before uncorking a furious second-half rally for a two-point lead in the final minute. They let that late 58-56 lead slip away and allowed the Bruins to snatch a victory from their grasp in the last 15 seconds.

The smart money suggested that if USC was going to figure out UCLA this season, the Trojans would need to get off to a decent if not great start. Surely they weren’t going to have much of a chance if they fell behind UCLA by 12 points at halftime. Surely UCLA, with its elite defense, was going to keep this game — and the Trojans — under wraps if they got another big lead.

UCLA promptly forged a 37-25 halftime advantage. USC couldn’t shoot. The Trojans attempted only two free throws, so they couldn’t find ways to get cheap points when jump shots weren’t falling.

They looked dead in the water against a UCLA team which was angry after a loss to Arizona on Saturday, January 21.

Surely, USC wasn’t going to be able to complete a massive comeback and fight all the way back, right? UCLA has been locking down opponents late in second halves all season long. Even when losing to Arizona, UCLA held the Wildcats under 60 points.

USC was toast, right?

Boogie Ellis had something to say about that. So did Drew Peterson. So did Vince Iwuchukwu and Kobe Johnson. They all contributed significantly to a shocking 52-27 second-half tsunami. USC didn’t just come back against UCLA; it ran the Bruins out of the Galen Center for a 77-64 thrashing.

Beating UCLA matters. Beating UCLA by 13 points will send USC’s metrics and overall profile soaring past lots of bubble teams. The Trojans not only beat their rival; they took an enormous step toward the 2023 NCAA Tournament.

We can debate whether USC is “off” the bubble or still on it, but we can agree that USC is clearly in the field right now, several spots inside the cut line. There’s a lot of work left to do, but the Trojans’ task is now less about gaining ground, and more about keeping their position. As long as they don’t suffer resume-killing losses which decrease their profile, they will be in good shape.

They get a week to rest up before hosting the Washington schools in the Galen Center. If they can just take care of the teams they are supposed to beat, they will be in the bracket on Selection Sunday, March 12.

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Trojans Wired podcast looks at Vince Iwuchukwu, USC’s improving bubble odds, and UCLA showdown

Vince Iwuchukwu gave #USC fans a taste of what he can do. #USC is moving upward on the bubble. UCLA discussion is here. @IanHest produced the show.

USC has a big game against UCLA on Thursday evening in the Galen Center, but we also have to take the time to look back at the Trojans’ huge win over Arizona State. The breakout performer in that victory over the Sun Devils in Tempe was Vince Iwuchukwu, who is getting into the flow of the season and is learning how to blend in with his teammates despite playing under a minutes restriction due to the management of his health.

We talked about Iwuchukwu’s emergence, how Andy Enfield will handle this roster, USC’s increased need to limit turnovers, and the UCLA showdown on the latest edition of our Trojans: Wired podcast. Ian Hest produced the show:

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USC, Vince Iwuchukwu prepare for season-shaping game against UCLA

Last year, USC beat UCLA without Isaiah Mobley. This year, USC will have Vince Iwuchukwu, but on a minutes restriction. Can the Trojans get the most out of his 15 minutes?

Given that Vince Iwuchukwu endured an episode of cardiac arrest this past July, he has appropriately been placed on a minutes restriction since being medically cleared to play. One would therefore assume that even under the best of circumstances on Thursday against UCLA, the USC big man won’t play anything more than 20 minutes, probably not more than 15 or 16.

This shapes the central plot point for the biggest game of USC’s season to date.

The fact that Iwuchukwu scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds in just 14 minutes this past Saturday has understandably increased the excitement and optimism surrounding USC men’s basketball. This is what Andy Enfield hoped the 2023 Trojans would look like. This was the vision. This was the blueprint with a full roster anchored by the elite five-star big man who could defend, rebound, and be a force in the paint who — much like Evan Mobley — relieved pressure on the other four Trojans on the floor.

However: The guy did just come back from a severe health scare. It’s hard to expect a young man to produce with regularity in these circumstances. Hope? Yes. Expect? Not really. Whatever Iwuchukwu can give this team, this season, is gravy. It’s remarkable that he is even playing after such a scary moment last July.

Yet, we can see that USC is a much, much more complete team when Iwuchukwu is on the floor. It’s hard to see USC beating UCLA if Iwuchukwu doesn’t play high-impact minutes when he is in the game.

Can USC beat UCLA without Iwuchukwu doing something significant? That’s one key question for Thursday in the Galen Center.

The other big question: How will Enfield allocate Iwuchukwu’s minutes? He might be limited to just 15-20 minutes. Which game segments will Iwuchukwu play?

Keep in mind that USC lost by two points to UCLA on a late-game 3-pointer from Jaylen Clark on Jan. 5 in Pauley Pavilion. USC couldn’t grab a defensive rebound. UCLA got the ball and kicked it out to Clark, who got a second chance at a go-ahead triple and made it.

If Enfield is willing to put Iwuchukwu in his closing lineup, USC might be able to get the big rebound and the big defensive stop it failed to get three weeks ago.

This presumes that the game will be close enough at that point to be decided on one or two possessions.

All eyes will be on Vince Iwuchukwu when USC hosts UCLA on Thursday in the Galen Center.

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USC fan brings up a fascinating point about Trojan revenue sports in a simple tweet

A Trojan fan made a bold claim about USC football and basketball for the 2023-2024 college sports cycle. Is he getting carried away, or is he 100% right?

Football season might be over at USC, and Trojan fans who invested a lot into the 2022 season might still be stung by the way that season ended in the Cotton Bowl versus Tulane. However, one tweet from a USC fan should pick everyone up in the land of Troy.

It was impossible to avoid noticing how much better USC men’s basketball looked on Saturday against Arizona State. A team that frankly looked like an NIT team for much of the season suddenly looked not only like an NCAA Tournament team, but also a really good NCAA Tournament team — a No. 4 or No. 3 seed — in a blowout of ASU.

The final score was 77-69, but USC led 77-53 with under five minutes left before basically turning in early and allowing the Sun Devils to score the final 16 points. The contest was a rout. USC overwhelmed an ASU team that had been very strong to that point.

The difference was Vince Iwuchukwu, who played just 14 minutes but scored 12 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in that short period of time. The 14 minutes were still modest as a total sum, but a lot more than the six minutes he played the previous week against Utah and the five minutes he played against Colorado.

The main point: We got to see what Iwuchukwu is capable of.

That leads us to this USC fan tweet which is worth a larger conversation:

Let’s dive into this discussion, shall we?