USC Trojans: Bennie Boatwright’s injury devastating for Southern Cal

Chances for a deep run by the USC Trojans in the 2018 NCAA tournament took a tremendous hit, with the season-ending injury of junior forward Bennie Boatwright.

The USC Trojans received confirmation today that junior forward Bennie Boatwright will indeed miss the remainder of the season, after enduring a left-patella injury in last night’s 72-70 victory over the Oregon Ducks in Los Angeles.

It was a night to forget for Boatwright, who was also held scoreless in 20 minutes of play. While the Trojans ended a three-game losing streak, keeping pace with the UCLA Bruins in the Pac 12 standings, Boatwright’s injury is a significant blow to their 2018 NCAA tournament aspirations.

The only silver lining is that Boatwright will not require surgery and will likely be fully healed by next season. It was also probable that he was heading straight for the NBA, but a return to school is more plausible after this recent setback.

Boatwright’s 2017-18 stat line is impressive, boasting an average of 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per contest, joining three other USC teammates averaging double-figure scoring. The forward can do it all, shooting 42 percent from the field, 35 percent from three-point land, and a steady 73 percent from the free throw line.

The USC star has been snake-bitten with injuries during his time in Southern California, missing 17 of the first 21 games last season — as well as battling through nagging ailments this campaign. While the cupboard is not bare for the deep Trojans squad, Boatwright is the glue that holds the team together.

Head coach Andy Enfield admitted as much when interviewed by USCTrojans.com.

"“Bennie has been such a valuable part of our program and he was having another very good year, being a factor on offense and defense. As we enter our stretch drive this season, we’ll miss having him.”"

“Missing him” is the understatement of the year with March Madness just weeks away. What do the NCAA tournament chances of the Trojan look like without their “do it all” contributor? Very bleak, with a likely first-round exit now in the cards for USC. With Boatwright, USC is a Sweet 16 caliber and beyond squad, but without him, the Trojans are likely one and done.

An example of his worth was revealed early on in non-conference play, during a home game against North Dakota State. If you judge that contest only by its final score, you’ll see a 10-point victory for the Trojans, but a win was well in jeopardy — until Boatwright took charge. Down the stretch, he made play after play, saving USC from an embarrassing home loss. He’s a real game changer and “the man” when things are going south for the Trojans.

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With Beanie Boatwright, the USC Trojans have less certainty during crucial stretches of games, where there is now tremendous pressure on leading scorer Chimezie Metu. Andy Enfield will now have to dig deep, with his team reeling and needing an answer for the loss of their glue guy. Currently, there is still time for the Trojans to figure things out during their stretch run, but honestly, fans should look ahead to next season, where Boatwright will likely fully recover and be on a mission during his senior year.