Bibby Unveils Improvement Plans

As USC prepares for its last three nonconference games, beginning with Long Beach State on Thursday, Coach Henry Bibby has a four-point plan.

“I want to see us play better defense. I want to see us rebound better. I want to see us make free throws. And I want to see us execute the offense,” Bibby said Tuesday.

“We have to have those things in place by the time [Pacific 10] play comes around. We have to be a really good defensive team. We have to rebound. We have to shoot better than 63% from the free-throw line. And we have to execute; I don’t think we’ve played as hard or as smart as we can every night.”

But Bibby also said he is seeing progress in the 5-4 Trojans. “I do see some things we’re getting better on. We’re starting to get some easy baskets. They’re making the effort to play defense. I think they’re trying to do what we ask them to do. And I’m pleased with that.

“There are not too many more things we can get better at. We’ve been concentrating on shooting free throws and rebounding. I think we can score enough points without having to work so hard at offense. But to get ready for Pac-10, we have to be a much, much better defensive team.”

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Three Trojans are among the top 10 scorers among Pac-10 players. Sam Clancy, who averages 17.3 points, is second behind Oregon’s Alex Scales (17.8). Jeff Trepagnier is fourth at 16.9 points, and Brian Scalabrine is fifth at 16.7 points.

In addition, all five USC starters have recorded at least one game of double figures in points and rebounds or double figures in points and assists.