USC had little depth a year ago - and the Trojans depth is already starting to take a hit this year.

Sophomore Marcus Simmons will miss 2-3 months after surgery to remove a bone growth in his left leg due to complications from an ankle injury he sustained last year.

Simmons was expected to see an increased role this season with the departure of Davon Jefferson and O.J. Mayo.

MEYER HAS LEG AMPUTATED

Northern State coach Don Meyer had his left leg amputated below the knee this morning, according to Rivals.com's Bob McClellan.

Meyer's son, Jerry, who is a national recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, said the surgery was successful.

``They said the prosthesis would take about three months, but he could be in a wheelchair or walker and keep coaching," Meyer said. "It's possible he could be coaching by the start of the season."

Don Meyer, 63, was in a auto accident two weeks ago in which he suffered rib and leg injuries. Doctors found that Meyer had cancer.

Meyer is the second all-time winningest coach in men's basketball history behind Bob Knight.