Hackett changes the dynamic

It was hard to imagine that two games into his return from a six-week injury layoff, Daniel Hackett would be averaging 21.5 points, 6.5 assists and 5.5 rebounds, prompting an opposing coach to gush that he “was the guy we couldn’t control.”

But that was South Carolina Coach Dave Odom’s assessment of the USC sophomore guard Saturday night, after Hackett showed that he might be his team’s most complete player in the early going after returning from a broken jaw.

Hackett was seemingly everywhere en route to notching his first career triple-double during the Trojans’ 85-75 victory. He put back his own miss for a basket in the opening minutes, drove the lane for a fastbreak layup midway through the first half and then immediately stole the ball and fed teammate O.J. Mayo for a layup that gave USC a 12-point lead.

“I put in a lot of work during the summer and it’s paying off,” Hackett said after finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists -- all career highs. “But I’m in a good position because my teammates put me in a good position, so I share the success with them.”

Freshman guard Angelo Johnson found Hackett inside early in the second half for his most impressive play. Hackett caught the ball near the basket and made a reverse layup all in one smooth motion. A few minutes later, Mayo penetrated the lane and dished to Hackett in the corner for an open three-point shot.

Hackett’s teammates and coaches say they see a much-improved player from the one who averaged 5.3 points and 2.9 rebounds as a freshman. Hackett spent the summer playing with Italy’s under-20 national team and practiced with members of the national team, including NBA players Marco Belinelli and Andrea Bargnani.

“Playing in Italy over the summer, it’s really improved his game maturity-wise, making good decisions on the floor,” Mayo said.

Said Rudy Hackett, Daniel’s father and the Trojans’ strength and conditioning coach: “I think he’s improved his poise on the floor, his ability to understand how to win the basketball game. . . . He really wants us to become a good team and that’s why he’s giving all he has.”

Hackett has helped USC put its season back on track after he sat out the Trojans’ opening loss to Mercer.

“We’re a different team now that Daniel’s back,” sophomore forward Taj Gibson said. “We’ve got a lot of leadership back and we’re just playing with a different mentality after that first loss.”

USC could get another boost this week if freshman forward Davon Jefferson makes his collegiate debut during the three-game Anaheim Classic that starts Thursday. Coach Tim Floyd said during the trip to South Carolina that “we’re still trying to bring him along” after Jefferson missed significant preseason practice time because of a sprained knee. “He’s got a long way to go conditioning-wise and in every other area,” Floyd said. . . . Beverly Hills High point guard Romeo Miller issued a news release announcing that he and Compton High shooting guard DeMar DeRozan will sign letters of intent with USC today at a news conference at The Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills. Miller was initially expected to be a walk-on, but if he signs a letter of intent he will be assured of a scholarship for at least one year.

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ben.bolch@latimes.com