3/27/2006 football Edit

Glasser to sign with USC

Justin Young

Rivals.com Basketball Recruiting Recruiting Analyst

Derek Glasser wanted to wait until after his senior season to make a decision on his college home as well as reel in some more high majors. The wait for 6-foot-2, 180-pound point guard from Artesia High School paid off. Glasser is headed to Southern Cal.

Tim Floyd and his staff are bringing in a winner. The senior helped pilot a talented Artesia team to a national record this year and over the course of four years, Glasser tallied a 111-19 record.

"Coach Floyd told me, 'I want a point guard that has been a point guard since the fifth grade and someone who wins big and big games.' I feel like I'm that guy," Glasser said. "I've played the point my whole life. Hopefully I can win there."

Glasser is an efficient floor general that will mesh well with the athletes that Floyd and his staff are bringing in with the 2006 class. The Trojans inked big man Taj Gibson, forwards Kasey Cunningham and Kevin Galloway as well as guard Dwight Lewis in the early period. SoCal native and five-star wing Davon Jefferson could also join the team next year, barring his academic standing.

Glasser is the second Artesia player to commit to USC. Sophomore Malik Story gave an early pledge to the Trojans at the start of the school year. That familiarity is a bonus, says Glasser.

"It helps because I think I will know people's strengths and I will know what to do with everybody," Glasser said. "It will be a lot easier to do my job. Hopefully, I'll have guys like Gabe Pruitt and Nick Young to pass the ball to next year, too."

With a successful run in the state playoffs, Glasser saw a number of teams jumping into the race for his services. New Mexico, Pacific, San Diego State, Montana and Cal were all inquiring. Glasser said USC's situation and playing time were key.

"Coach Floyd told me that there is a lot of playing time to be had there next year because there is only one point guard coming back next year," Glasser said. "He told me that if I come in and work hard that I should be getting a lot of minutes. I feel like I can do that."