When I asked Daniel Hackett to grade his performance as USC’s point guard this season, he cited team accomplishments over individual ones.

“We got some good victories. We’re right there,” he said. “We’re in the hunt for a championship. We’re in the hunt for a third straight NCAA Tournament appearance. It’s been going pretty well so far.”

Hackett has fared well as a first-time, full-time point guard, but he has endured his share of growing pains too, as my story on him details.

He’d be more comfortable on the court — and USC would be a more complete team — if the Trojans had a pure point guard to play alongside him. But they don’t. So Hackett has had no choice but to try to make the best of a difficult situation.

More from the USC blog:

• USC football recruiting: Is Bryce Brown headed for Oregon?
• NFL draft: A reason Cushing could drop
• USC football recruiting: Trojans No. 5 on this list
• Mayock: 49ers should consider Sanchez at No. 10
• USC football poll: Which recruit will shine in 2009?
• USC football recruiting: Carroll vs. Kiffin
• USC football recruiting: The spread busters
• USC football: 10 most important recruits (Nos. 1-3)
• USC football: Trojans not top 5?
• USC football: 10 most important recruits (Nos. 4-6)