Granville’s Long-Range Shot Is Falling

Because the frontcourt is undersized--the Trojans’ strongest post player, center Sam Clancy, is 6 feet 8--guard Brandon Granville was expected to take a generous portion of outside shots, including three-pointers, to extend defenses and create more space under the basket.

Granville had made 24 of 72 three-point tries, both team highs, but in the last four games the 5-9 sophomore is shooting 60% from beyond the arc, making 12 of 20.

Although Coach Henry Bibby doesn’t like the Trojans making a habit of shooting three-pointers, he does need Granville to be a threat that defenses have to respect. So he is glad to see Granville’s productivity.

“You get into ruts like you get into grooves,” Bibby said. “I think before Granville was in a rut, and was putting a little more pressure on himself. The last few games he’s just gone out and played.”

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USC reportedly has received an oral commitment from 5-11 guard Robert Hutchinson, a freshman at Okaloosa-Walton Community College in Niceville, Fla. Hutchinson also must complete seven hours by summer to become eligible.