Andy Enfield describes how injuries have impacted this year's USC team

USC has not had a ton of good luck this season, especially on the injury front. Head coach Andy Enfield has had to deal with some of the program’s best players missing time. In what was thought to be a fun season ahead in Los Angeles, it’s turned into a disaster in mid-February.

A loss to Colorado in double overtime was the latest blemish for USC. Following the game, Enfiled admitted injuries have made a major impact on what the Trojans have put out on the court. Even when those players are back in the rotation and playing big minutes, getting back into the flow takes time.

“Injuries have devastated our team at times this year,” Enfield said. “Especially the three guys going out at once. And then the lingering effects of guys coming back — it takes a while for them to get really healthy.”

The three guys Enfield mentions are Isaiah Collier, Boogie Ellis, and Joshua Morgan — all three who went down with an injury around the same time. That trio is key to what USC has been doing this season, with the last two being seniors.

All are back in the starting lineup for USC and played against Colorado. However, getting back to 100% health has been a struggle. Ellis was the example used by Enfield, needing a ramp-up period over the last few games.

His level of performance finally came back against Colorado, scoring 30 points on 10-19 shooting with four rebounds and five assists. A quality effort despite the USC loss.

“I think you saw that with Boogie,” Enfield said. “Tonight was the first game since the Stanford and Cal series at home in January that he actually looked like the Boogie that we all know and come to expect.”

Barring a Pac-12 Tournament championship, USC will not be making the NCAA Tournament. In fact, this is set to be one of the worst seasons during Enfield’s tenure in Los Angeles. Some big names are on the roster but it has not translated to on-court success.

Still, a few important games remain on the schedule. Next up is a trip across town to UCLA, facing off against Mick Cronin and the Bruins. A rivalry game USC would like revenge in following a loss earlier in the season.

Not taking place until Saturday, it’s a whole week for USC to rest and continue to work toward getting healthy.