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USC First Four: 3 players to watch

By Evan Lovett

Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC Trojans head coach Andy Enfield watches game action against the UCLA Bruins during the first half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC Trojans head coach Andy Enfield watches game action against the UCLA Bruins during the first half during the Pac-12 Conference Tournament at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Dahl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 8, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) shoots during a Pac-12 Conference Tournament game against the Washington Huskies at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; USC Trojans forward Chimezie Metu (4) shoots during a Pac-12 Conference Tournament game against the Washington Huskies at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Chimezie Metu

Metu was named recipient of the Pac-12’s most improved player award for the 2016-17 season.

Evolving from a role player averaging 6 points per game into a scorer that was one tick below Boatwright at 14.5 ppg, Metu offers inside pressure that the remainder of the Trojans perimeter game relies on as an offset to balance their offense.

The offense is built on transition and three-pointers, and the 6’11” inside banger keeps defenses honest, also tallying 7.8 rebounds per game.

Metu is a notorious hard worker, and the hours he spent honing his game during the off-season was evident in his improvement this season.

Instead of needing a play to be called on a silver platter  for him to score, he improved his arsenal to include a jump shot and the ability to score off the dribble. And, in keeping with Enfield’s mantra, he is athletic and can dunk the basketball.

He is also cerebral, being named to the conference’s all-Academic team for the season.

https://twitter.com/USC_Hoops/status/839180961711468544

It is going to take contributions of both his brain and brawn for the Trojans to win tonight, so keep an eye on Metu as the game progresses.

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