Desmond Claude is a true USC basketball Trojan warrior. The word “warrior” can be overused in sports, but sometimes, the label fits. It sure does for Claude, who — as coach Eric Musselman revealed — showed elite toughness against Tom Izzo and Michigan State on Saturday.
Musselman told reporters that Desmond Claude fought through a knee injury in USC’s 70-64 victory over Michigan State. USC men’s basketball took down a top-10 opponent when the Trojans upset the No. 7 Spartans. Even more impressive was the fact that they did it with their leading scorer playing through pain.
In his postgame press conference, Eric Musselman revealed that Claude left the game with a knee injury in the first half. After seeing Claude riding the stationary bike a few minutes later, Musselman told him to come back into the game.
“The team doctor said, ‘Give us another minute.’” Musselman said. His response?
“I don’t have another minute to wait. Let’s go.”
The decision paid off, as Claude led the team with 19 points, while also adding six rebounds and three assists.
The Trojans are back in action on Tuesday night when they visit Northwestern. He may not be 100%, but barring something stunning, Desmond Claude should be suiting up once again.
The Trojans are not likely to make the NCAA Tournament, but they have certainly kept themselves in the conversation and now need to make a real run to become a bigger part of the bubble mix.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Desmond Claude plays through pain for USC basketball vs Michigan State
