/LA is your source for insider info on one of the most highly anticipated college basketball teams of the year.
In this edition of Trojan Talk, /LA sat down with USC Assistant Basketball Coach, Robert Cantu. He gave us the scoop on how he recruited one of the best new players in college ball.
/LA: Could you talk a little about your background?
Coach Cantu: I’m currently in my 7th season at USC. I started with Henry Bibby in the 2001-2002 season. I was on the staff with Bibby for 4 years and stayed on when we changed coaches three years ago. I helped current Head Coach Tim Floyd put together his first recruiting class in 2005.
/LA: How have things progressed since Coach Floyd took over?
Coach Cantu: We’ve put 3 recruiting classes together and improved our talent level every year. 2007 is one of our best classes – #1 according to ESPN and HoopScoop.
/LA: How did you land your star recruit?
Coach Cantu: He wanted to play where he could put a stamp on a program. He didn’t want to be just another player at a big school, and he felt that USC had the potential to be a big-time program. With Coach Floyd’s pro league background, the new facility, and being in Southern California, it just made a lot of sense. He loves Los Angeles and Magic Johnson – he’s been wearing #32 since the 5th grade. He’s always been a USC fan so it worked out great.
/LA: Could you talk more about #32?
Coach Cantu: He’s extremely competitive. He tries to win every possession – offensively and defensively. He’s been an exceptional student-athlete and has led by example on and off the court.
/LA: What is he like as a player?
Coach Cantu: He’s tremendously talented. He’s not a selfish player at all and is always looking to pass first and shoot second. I believe he’s the type of player who makes his teammates better.
/LA: Sounds like a young Michael Jordan.
Coach Cantu: There’s definitely some similarities.
Keep checking back for more from ‘Trojan Talk,’ /LA’s forum for the latest in USC news and interviews with players, fans, and coaches such as Robert Cantu.
