The math sounds good.

But most USC fans probably won't buy it.

"Ninety-six percent of our scoring came from freshmen and sophomores," USC coach Tim Floyd said after the Trojans were eliminated from the NCAA tournament after an 80-67 first-round loss to Kansas State. "We have a lot to look forward to."

As good as it sounds, the equation might be entirely different. Star freshman O.J. Mayo (20.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg) turned pro. He was projected as an NBA draft lottery pick, and seemed certain to leave before he arrived.

Fellow freshman Davon Jefferson (12.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg) also left for the pros, leaving Taj Gibson (10.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg) to drive the Trojans in 2008-09.

Likewise, Gibson claimed to be focusing on other things.

With the consistent turnover, speculation won't die that eventually Floyd, too, will fly the coup.

USC athletic director Mike Garrett is taking it in stride.

"I'm always of the opinion that if someone doesn't want to be at SC, they shouldn't be there," Garrett said. "I know he likes our place and we're receptive. I just don't worry about it.

"I won't discuss his contract, but he's well taken care of. Money is not the object, it's chemistry, and I think we have it."

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