Kevin O’Neill, the former Arizona interim coach replaces Tim Floyd as the USC's basketball coach, the school announced today on its website.

O'Neill, 52, replaces Tim Floyd, who resigned June 9 following allegations that he hand-delivered a payment in 2007 to an associate of former USC star O.J. Mayo.

I'm very excited about this opportunity to coach at such a great institution as USC, with its tremendous athletic and academic tradition, O'Neill said in a statement released by USC.

I recognized that USC basketball has been through a tough time lately, he said. Like many college basketball fans, I have been following the developments in the media. One thing I expect people might second-guess me on is whether I made the right call in taking this job.

I want to assure you that I made my decision only after a thorough evaluation. If I didn't believe in USC -- and all of the people involved -- I wouldn't be putting my name and reputation on the line. But I do and I am. Enough said, he added.

Arizona Basketball