Playing time limited, Odzic to sit out year

Going from USC’s sixth man to the odd man out has been a difficult transition for Sead Odzic.

A year after he averaged 3.2 points and 15 minutes while appearing in all 30 games, Odzic did not play in the Trojans’ opener. In USC’s second game, Odzic was summoned back to the bench from the scorer’s table by Coach Tim Floyd, who was pondering a redshirt season for the sophomore shooting guard.

Floyd and Odzic had a lengthy conversation before practice Monday and agreed that sitting out a season would be the best course of action for the 6-foot-3, 192-pound guard who figured to play sparingly.

“It was more Coach’s idea, but I went along with it,” said Odzic, who has been supplanted by freshman guard Dwight Lewis. “It’s the best thing to do.”

Odzic said he was not contemplating a transfer even though the incoming class for next season includes at least one coveted guard in O.J. Mayo.

“I understand O.J.’s coming next year and even though he’s leaving in a year he’s going to attract more big recruits,” Odzic said. “I can’t control that. All I can do is come in and work hard and compete during practice and try to earn minutes to get on the floor.”

Odzic said he would try to “expand my game” in practice by working on his ball-handling and becoming a more versatile player.

Floyd said Odzic would play next year “and the year after that and the year after that.”

“We value who he is,” Floyd said. “You don’t redshirt guys unless you think they’re going to be players.”

*

The Trojans ran sprints following every turnover in practice Wednesday after their 26-turnover effort against the Citadel on Tuesday.

Floyd was trying to emphasize the importance of taking care of the ball going into USC’s game against Long Beach State tonight at the Galen Center.

The 49ers have forced 21.7 turnovers per game while using full-court pressure and a variety of zone and man-to-man defenses.

“As far as I’m concerned we’re the underdog going into this game and we’re going to have to play our best basketball to beat this team,” said Floyd, whose team has averaged 19 turnovers. “The bottom line is, our guys are young and they’re going to have to respond to their pressure.”

Long Beach State features five senior starters who like to push the ball on offense.

Though the 49ers have defeated San Jose State and Cal State Bakersfield, Floyd said their most impressive showing came in a one-point loss to an Air Force team he has ranked in the top 15 nationally in the coaches’ poll.

TONIGHT

vs. Long Beach State, 7:30, FSN Prime Ticket

Site -- Galen Center.

Radio -- 710.

Records -- USC 2-1, Long Beach State 2-1.

Update -- USC has held all three of its opponents under 40% shooting and has won the rebounding battle in two of three games. Forward Taj Gibson is averaging 13.7 points and has become the first Trojans freshman to score at least 10 points in his first three games since Tom Lewis during the 1985-86 season.

ben.bolch@latimes.com