Presence in face of a big absence

Twice in the last three games USC has had to do without Taj Gibson for a significant stretch. Twice, the Trojans have been able to survive, even thrive, without their best inside player.

Strange, but true.

Gibson played only 10 minutes of the first half against Oregon on Jan. 2, sitting out the last six after picking up his third foul. The Trojans got to halftime tied, 34-34, and went on to defeat the Ducks, 83-62.

Things were even more dire in a 64-60 loss to UCLA on Sunday, with Gibson picking up his third foul six minutes into the game with the Bruins leading, 19-8. The Trojans went on a 17-9 run and were within 33-31 at halftime.

USC’s success without Gibson seems to run counter to his 6-foot-9 presence, except to Coach Tim Floyd.

“We have always relied on team, not any specific individual,” Floyd said. “Obviously, we’re better with some specific individuals in the game versus others. But we have things for other guys so it doesn’t dramatically affect us.”

Freshman DeMar DeRozan picked up much of the slack when Gibson was forced out against Oregon and UCLA.

DeRozan finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds in the victory over the Ducks. He had 10 rebounds in the first half. Against UCLA, DeRozan had 11 of his team-high 15 points in the first half, 10 coming during the run that pulled the Trojans to within 26-25.

Point guard Daniel Hackett said that when Gibson is out, “everyone has to be more aggressive and play smart.”

Of course, it’s not a scenario the Trojans would care to find themselves in too often. Asked after the UCLA game whether he would consider using a smaller lineup at times, considering the Trojans’ success without Gibson, Floyd answered sternly, “And sit him for 15 minutes? He’s too important.”

DeRozan derailed

UCLA managed to reduce DeRozan’s effectiveness with more pressure. He had only two shots in the second half, making both.

“They started switching on everything,” DeRozan said. “I always had someone on me tight. I have to fight through those situations.”

Said Floyd: “He’ll figure it out. There were great lessons to learn in that game. I thought he played absolutely spectacular. I don’t know where we would have been when Taj was out of the game.”

Washington improves

Freshman power forward Leonard Washington, out three weeks because of a high ankle sprain, was cleared to begin workouts. He is not expected to play this week.

Washington, who has missed the last four games, shot with the team before practice Monday, then did individual drills during practice.

“He is jogging, but they say he’s still not ready,” Floyd said. “He wants to be out here in the worst way. He was a big part of who we were the first 11 games.”

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