trojan
Volume XCV1II, Number 43	University of Southern California	Thursday, March 14, 1985
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Stan Morrison
Who says nice guys always finish last?
By Scott Wolf
Assistant Sports Editor
Six months ago, Stan Morrison was about as popular as Walter Mondale on the LSC campus.
His 1983-84 Trojans had compiled an 11-20 record, his worst in five vears at the university; a new athletic director had been hired; and one didn't have to search far to find rumors about a possible coaching change.
But today, all that has become history, as Morrison takes his 19-9 Trojans into the NCAA tournament in what has arguably been USC’s best season in nearly 15 years.
Has an overnight transformation occured that turned Morrison into the Pacific 10 Conference Coach of the Year ?
"I'm still the same guy," Morrison said. "A lot of it has to do with 'W.'s' and 'L's'. The players are the ones responsible."
A noticeable difference*has also taken place on campus as far as Morrison's image is concerned.
"People sav hello to me now, with the success and visibility," he said. "1 don't know if people recognize me now, or if they just didn't want to say hello in the past."
(Continued on page 19)
Special Section Stories:
Larry Friend . . . pg. 24 Glenn Smith . . . pg. 24 Women ’s playoff preview . . . pg. 24 Cheryl Miller . . . pg. 20 Playoff brackets . . . pg. 23
AOAM KRAJCHIR DAILY TROJAN
PLAYOFF TIME! USC-lllinois St.
By Scott Wolf
Assistant Sports Editor
The last time USC faced Illinois State, it marked Stan Morrison's first victory as Trojan head coach in 1979.
Tonight, in Tulsa, Okla., the stakes will be considerably higher for the Trojans, who meet the Redbirds in the first round of the NCAA Midwest Region playoffs at 7:30 (PST).
"Looking at their team is like looking in a mirror," Morrison said at his weekly press conference Tuesday at Julie's Restaurant.
"Illinois State is very similar to our team," he said.
Morrison will be trying to win his first NCAA tournament game ever as a head coach, as his 1982 Trojans lost to Wyoming, 61-58, in the first round. His 1979 Pacific team lost to Marquette, also in the first round.
Illinois State (21-7)u coached by Bob Donewald, features a veteran lineup and is led by 6-8 forward Lou Stefanovic. Stefanovic is averaging 17.5 points per game going into the tournament.
Donewald, a former assistant to Indiana Coach Bobby Knight, runs a motion offense and rarely fastbreaks against an opponent.
"There's no one individual that takes over and gives us one certain thing," Donewald said. "When we're competitive, we're playing verv well together.”
The Redbirds advanced to the second round of the NCAA's last year, bowing out to Depaul, 75-61, after beating Alabama, 49-48, in the first round.
"We're just delighted to be here," Donewald said. "Glamour has nothing to do with it. The fact USC is a good team and Pac-10 champs has ever* ything to do with it."
Neither team is exactly on a roll entering tonight's game as the Trojans have lost four of their last eight games, while Illinois State comes in with a two game losing streak.
"We've had an interesting season," Donew'ald said. "This team isn't as powerful as the one we brought here last year, but it's very competitive."
(Continued on page 19)
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