Libertyville Grad Helps Lead Southern Cal To Sweet 16

INDIANAPOLIS, IN —After a standout basketball career at Libertyville High School and a two-year stop at Rice University, former Wildcat Drew Peterson is making a name for himself on a national stage these days.

The 6-foot-8 Peterson is a starting guard for the No. 6 seeded University Southern California Trojans, who on Monday night defeated No.3 seed Kansas 85-51 in an NCAA Tournament West Regional second-round game in Indianapolis. The Trojans (24-7) advanced to Sunday's Sweet 16 matchup with No. 7 Oregon (21-6). This is the Trojans' first trip to the Sweet 16 in 14 years.

"This game meant a lot to our program and our fans. USC basketball is on the rise," Trojans head coach Andy Enfield said after the win.

In the contest, which was the third biggest margin of defeat in Kansas history, Peterson played all but six minutes, tied for second on the team with eight rebounds and scored five points, including a big second-half three pointer that gave the Trojans a 21-point lead over the Jayhawks (21-9).

The performance came two days after Peterson scored 14 points in a 72-56 win over No. 11 seed Drake in a first-round contest.

"We posted (Peterson) up in the first half, and he was able to use his length and shoot over some people," Enfield said after the Drake game.

For the season, Peterson is averaging 9.8 points per game, which is third on the team, and five rebounds. He's third on the team in minutes played. It's an impressive showing from a player who transferred from Rice last May, and only was granted immediate eligibility by the NCAA a week before the season.

At the time, Enfield told the Los Angeles Times that he was excited to have Peterson in the program.

"Drew has really impressed us as a staff with his ability to pick up a different system," Enfield said. "He's just a good all-around basketball player."

Peterson was an Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) Boys Basketball All-State selection as a senior in 2018, when he averaged 25.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists. He scored 1,550 points during his three varsity seasons at Libertyville.

In his sophomore season at Rice, Peterson averaged 11. 1 points, and he told 24/7 Sports.com on the eve of his USC debut that his versatility and size, compared to other guards, are among his greatest assets.

"Coach (Enfield) emphasized my versatility, being able to do a little bit of everything, especially facilitating," Peterson said. "Being a three-level scorer, I think I'm going to be able to draw two defenders and find other guys."

Peterson continued: "Being a 6-8 guard, I got size mismatches that I try to take advantage of. I touch a little bit in the post. I feel like I can take advantage of a defense from any angle on the court."