Bibby Must Relinquish His Elite Status in L.A.

How it must hurt you to have to run letters about USC’s beloved ex-Bruin Henry Bibby, instead of another half-dozen about Steve Lavin, as you have run weekly for some time now. Lavin may not be the coach of the century, but unless you haven’t noticed, there aren’t many John Woodens and Coach Ks out there.

There are ups and downs in most coaches’ careers and USC’s inability to focus on North Carolina Wilmington will be one of the downs for Coach Bibby, balancing out last year’s surprise Elite Eight finish.

Arnold Lester

Brentwood

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The latest issue of Sports Illustrated had arrived, bringing with it predictions of a Trojan romp through the South bracket, including a victory over Duke.

I elect not to blame our first-round demise on missed free throws or questionable substitutions: Instead I blame Sports Illustrated. Curses!

Chris Gagliano

Redondo Beach

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On Thursday, before USC’s game against North Carolina Wilmington, Bill Plaschke lauds Henry Bibby, saying he is on the rise, the coach of the future.

Next day, after USC is upset, Plaschke blasts Bibby for poor management of his players during the game.

Which is it, Bill, does USC keep him or fire him?

Jack Allen

Pacific Palisades

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After beating UCLA, Arizona and Stanford (twice) this year, the people over at USC were talking about building a basketball tradition. After Thursday’s disappointing performance, that tradition can be summarized as “one and done.”

Someone should remind the Trojans that one Elite Eight appearance does not make a tradition.

David Tyau

Pasadena

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In the days leading up to the NCAA tournament, a Dallas sports radio host called USC the “most overrated team in the tournament.”

I couldn’t wait to call in on Friday and mock him.

Unfortunately, he was right.

The good news (I guess) is that nobody in his right mind will try to steal Henry Bibby from us now.

The bad news is that the term “USC basketball” remains an oxymoron.

Football is what we are known for. And have you seen the football team’s record recently?

Barry Catlett

Plano, Texas (USC ‘76)