USC adds Derrick Williams

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La Mirada High boys basketball forward Derrick Williams announced Tuesday that he has committed to play for USC.

The 6-feet-8 Williams averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds last season for La Mirada, which was ousted in the Southern Section playoffs by eventual champion Compton Dominguez. Williams said Trojans Coach Tim Floyd has told him he’ll play at small forward.

‘I’m very excited, this is where I’ve wanted to go since eighth grade,’ Williams told The Times Tuesday night.

He was also considering Arizona State, Nevada and San Diego. The Trojans are doing well in Southern California. They also gained a commitment from Mater Dei guard Gary Franklin Jr. on Tuesday, and remain a leading candidate to land Fairfax High center Renardo Sidney.

--Lance Pugmire