Last week, Fairfax High School star Renardo Sidney verbally committed to USC in an extravagant and entertaining press conference. Sidney's decision again demonstrated USC Coach Tim Floyd's ability to nab the big fish, as it was his third top-10 nationally ranked recruit in as many years. Prior to Sidney, Floyd landed current NBA rookie O.J. Mayo, as well as athletic swingman DeMar DeRozan.
In Sidney, the Trojans will have a versatile big man who not only can bang underneath, but also can step outside and hit a three. This season Sidney showed improved dedication to his game, as he made a concerted effort to shed some excess weight.
Sidney's many travels are well documented. He moved to Southern California from his home state of Mississippi during high school, and immediately enrolled in local basketball power Artesia High School. After one season, Sidney then transferred to Fairfax in Los Angeles, which no surprise, happened to be another basketball power.
UCLA was also rumored to be in the hunt for Sidney, but then abruptly backed off the recruiting trail for unknown reasons.
Sidney's announcement further demonstrates the conference's overall ability to attract NBA-caliber prospects. This past year alone, 11 Pac-10 players were selected in the NBA draft. As added proof of conference strength, UCLA brought in the nation's number one ranked recruiting class this season.
Far from being on the demise, this competitive conference remains loaded with on-court talent, top-flight coaching, and tournament-worthy teams.
By Mike Elliott
Staff Editor for TheDailySportsHerald.com
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