Kevin O’Neill, a former head coach with 13-years of coaching experience in the NBA and college ranks, has been named coach of the USC Trojans basketball program replacing Tim Floyd who recently resigned amid severe recruiting violations. O’Neil’s most recent college job was at Arizona where he served as interim-coach of the Wildcats basketball team during Lute Olsen’s absence. The hire was made official Saturday morning by USC Director of Athletics Mike Garrett.

O'Neill, 52, has worked in the basketball coaching ranks for 30 years, most recently spending the 2009 season as an assistant coach and special assistant to the general manager of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies.

[Online odds makers at Sportsbook.com have USC listed at +5000 money-line odds the school wins the 2010 NCAA Men’s basketball National Championship.]

"We're thrilled to have Kevin O'Neill as our men's basketball coach," said Garrett. "Kevin is the consummate coach. He knows his Xs and Os, he's an excellent recruiter and he is very in tune with the academic side of a player's collegiate experience. His 30 years of experience at the college and professional levels has prepared him well for this opportunity. I love his coaching philosophy and principles: he's a no-nonsense coach who is very detail-oriented and prepares his teams well. He stresses defense and I've always believed that defense wins championships."