The Trojans’ first official basketball practice of the year will be held tonight at the Galen Center, in a “Midnight Madness” event that’s open to the public. The event, which will begin at approximately 9:00p, following the conclusion of the USC-Oregon women’s volleyball game, is USC’s first such event in five years. (And yes, we are aware that 9:00p isn’t technically the same thing as “midnight,” but anyone planning on waking up early tomorrow to head to the Coliseum should appreciate the earlier start.) Some notes heading into the first weekend of practices:

• Freshman F Davon Jefferson is expected to miss at least tonight’s practice with a sprained knee.
• Although G Daniel Hackett (broken jaw) has been telling everyone that he will only miss six weeks (which would put him back in action near USC’s opening game), that estimate may prove to be wildly optimistic. Even once his fracture has healed and Hackett is cleared to play, it should take him some time to get into game shape: The LA Times reports that the guard is expected to lose between 25-30 pounds while his jaw is wired shut.
• The Trojans have a number of recruits making unofficial visits to campus this weekend. In addition to commitments Demar DeRozan (2008) and Dwayne Polee (2010), visiting Galen over the next few days are the projected top players in the classes of 2009 and 2010: Fairfax HS junior forward Renardo Sidney and San Diego sophomore forward Jeremy Tyler.

Trojans ready for some Madness (LA Times)
Madness on the hardwood (Daily Trojan)
USC basketball preview (OC Register)
Fastbreak Friday: Taking in the madness (Rivals, $)