Hair Beginning to Play a Part

Freshman guard Nate Hair is beginning to round into the athletic form Trojan recruiters saw at Mission Viejo Capistrano Valley High.

A stress fracture in his left leg kept Hair from much summer league play and fall practice. He still doesn’t jump as well as he can and lacks game conditioning.

But he’s starting to find his jump shot, making four of his last nine attempts, including two three-point baskets. He’s also beginning to anticipate better on defense, as evidenced by a steal and layup near the end of the first half against Hawaii.

“I’m about 85% to 90% healed,” said Hair, who is averaging eight minutes a game. “I’m not feeling any more pain, which is great. Right now I’m just trying to get back into the flow of playing.”

Coach Henry Bibby sees Hair’s development, but still warns against expecting too much too soon.

“He’s not close to game condition yet,” Bibby said. “He’s behind on everything we’ve done since practice began in October; he’s just now beginning to know what we’re doing.

“But he’s smart and has the ability to drive to the basket.”

After Jeff Trepagnier, Hair might be the only Trojan player who can.

TONIGHT

at Loyola Marymount

7, Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--at Loyola Marymount

* Radio--XTRA (690)

* Records--USC (4-4), Loyola Marymount (1-4)

* Update--USC is trying to win its second consecutive game. Loyola, which has had a week to prepare, is trying to avoid a fifth consecutive loss, after winning its opener. The Lions are getting outrebounded by six a game, and are giving up 74.6 points while averaging only 60.8. Trojan guard Brandon Granville is averaging nine assists a game and ranks in the top 10 nationally.