USC Basketball: 5 Bold Predictions for the Trojans' 2011-2012 Season

Sometimes people forget USC even has a men's basketball team with all the commotion that surrounds its football team.

However, this year's team looks to contend and compete in the Pac-12 despite injuries to a few key players.

Here are five bold predictions that definitely have the potential to come true. The Men of Troy are a young and talented group of individuals who have fans and students excited about the future.

Although not known as a basketball school, USC has attracted some talent that will immediately impact the season and the direction of the program.

After winning nineteen games this past season, it is needless to say that the Trojans will try and better their record this upcoming season.

Although the Pac-12 is as competitive as it gets, USC is faced with a favorable schedule.

There is no reason why they should not start off 5-0, with their only true test being an away game at San Diego State. 

This will give them a good basis and jump-start for the rest of the season as the young team builds their confidence.

It seems as though USC has had trouble the past few years breaking the 20-win mark, but I believe they are poised for a breakout season.

Yes, you read it correctly.

I know the Bruins are ranked No. 20 coming into the season, but they are far from unbeatable.

Dewayne Dedmon will play a key part in both games with his tall frame and athleticism against an undersized and slower Bruins team.

Both games will create tough matchup problems for both teams and fans should be in for a treat, but do not think UCLA is going to walk all over the Trojans this year. As a matter of fact, it should be like this for years to come.

Ranked California's top player by Cali High Sports, Byron Wesley will get the start for the Trojans at small forward this year.

Standing at a solid 6'5", Wesley knows how to use his body and finish at the rim. Due to the injury of veteran guard Jio Fontan, Wesley will immediately be looked to for scoring by both Coach O'Neill and his teammates.

He is a very versatile player who can play almost any position on the floor and is used to playing in the spotlight. With a polished mid-range game, he can score in a variety of different ways and will surely be a tough cover.

Wesley is not afraid to get inside and rebound, and never runs away from a tough defensive battle. His talent will be recognized sooner rather than later.

Be on the lookout for this freshman.

Last year the USC knocked off No. 10-ranked Arizona at Galen Center. 

This year the Kansas Jayhawks will pay the Trojans a visit. Entering the season ranked No. 13, they should beware when they come to play USC.

The players will really be focused and recogonzie what a win could do for their season. The game is during winter break and although people may think this does not mean anything, it does.

Players will have family in the stands, so they will be more pumped-up than usual and ready to take down Kansas.

You heard it here first. 

If all the previous predictions come true, it only makes sense that USC will have their time during March Madness.

Although they lost in the first round last year and have lost one of their key players, it is clear that the team possesses some new and young talent.

USC men's basketball often times flies under the radar due to the football team's prestige. Look for them to put some people on notice this year.