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Andy Enfield admits loss of Vincent Iwuchukwu was 'challenging'

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•03/18/23•

SamraSource

Vince Iwuchukwu
Vincent Iwuchukwu #3 of the USC Trojans warms up prior to the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Galen Center on January 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. This is Iwuchukwus first game since he suffered major heart failure and collapsed during an offseason team workout on July 1, 2022 (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)

Andy Enfield believes having Vincent Iwuchukwu on the court against Michigan State could’ve changed USC‘s fate at the NCAA Tournament.

Over the 2022-2023 season Iwuchukwu dealt with a myriad of injuries, but averaged 5.4 points and 2.5 rebounds on the season. However, he missed the beginning of the season with injuries, and played last on Mar. 3 against the Arizona Wildcats before once again going down.

Without the ferocious big man, the Trojans fell in the Pac 12 Tournament, and subsequently to the Spartans by a score of 72-62 in the NCAA Tournament. Evidently, Enfield believes it all could’ve been different if Iwuchukwu was healthy.

“They played two bigs. If we would have played Vince, we would have played big at times today with him and also his 7’1″ athleticism, 7’1″ with a 7’4″ wing span certainly helps our rim protection and our length,” started Enfield. “So without him this year, half the year, it’s been challenging.

“He missed the first half of the season. Came back. Started to play really well. Got caught up in some of our defensive/offensive schemes and was out again here at the end of the year.”

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Continuing, Enfield recognizes that USC had a solid season, even without a host of injuries to important players like Iwuchukwu. Still, he’s not using it as an excuse, but he hopes more success will come with better health next year.

“Injuries have affected our season,” added Enfield. “That’s why I’m so proud of this team to go tie for second, 22-9 in the regular season because we only had our full roster for like 10 games and we went 8-2 in those games, both lost to Arizona. And in fact the second game Drew was hurt but he still played.

“Vince being out certainly affects our team, our rotation. But that’s not an excuse why we lost. But you asked the question about Vince. He’s a big part of our program and we hope the best for him to get healthy.”

Still, Andy Enfield and the Trojans had a successful season, finishing with a 22-11 record and making the NCAA Tournament as a No. 10 seed. Regardless, they have bigger dreams than a first round exit, and will hope they can keep the team together next season to make another run at it.