Just concluded the second half of coaches interviews and now we're off for player interviews. I don't believe this portion of the program will be aired online.

Here's a summary of what's happened so far.

--- USC coach Kevin O'Neill admitted: "I'm just learning our team." He acknowledged the ongoing NCAA investigation, but didn't talk too much about it. He said F Leonard Washington and G Mike Gerrity will miss the first seven games because of penalties. F Marcus Johnson will also miss first two regular-season games because of an eligibility penalty.

G Donte Smith lost 22 pounds and will be called upon to carry a heavy load, however, G Dwight Lewis is USC's stud and will have to have a big year if the Trojans are to contend for a NCAA tournament bid.

--- Cal coach Mike Montgomery downplayed being picked to finish first in the Pac-10. He said F Harper Kamp, who had knee surgery, still isn't ready to go. Also Theo Robertson had hip surgery, but he's practiced and he'll be fine. G Jorge Gutierrez was out the first eight practices with an undisclosed injury, but he's also back. Transfer Markhuri Sanders-Frison dropped 25 pounds and he's down to 275, but he still has a ways to go and may not play much this season.

--- Arizona State coach Herb Sendek didn't sound very optimistic. He said the Sun Devils will have to completely change the offense, which ran through James Harden and Jeff Pendergraph last season. Sendek said the offense will be more balanced and he's yet to identify who will lead the team in scoring. He expects the three seniors (Derek Glasser, Jerren Shipp and Eric Boateng) to be the team's leaders.

--- The Bruins have been hit hard with injuries, however, UCLA coach Ben Howland hopes to have everyone back at practice Monday. PG Jerime Anderson (groin) has yet to practice, but he's expected to run the offense. Malcom Lee will back him up and Mustafa Abdul-Hamid will see minutes there also. Sophomore F Drew Gordon has been the second leading rebounding in practice behind F Reeves Nelson.

--- Washington coach Lorenzo Romar said Isaiah Thomas is more of a complete basketball player, especially on the defensive end. Romar said it wouldn't surprise him if Quincy Pondexter led UW in rebounding and he thinks the team is as quick as it was in 2005 when Nate Robinson was the star.