After USC defeated Kansas to arrive at the Sweet 16, Andy Enfield dedicated the win to his late father, Bill Enfield, who had died just before this college basketball season began.

“He meant a lot to me. I thought about him a lot,” Enfield said. “In fact, I saw a picture right before the game that my mother sent me, at a table with his board out, his note cards from coaching. He was giving me advice.”

Ryan Kartje, who does a terrific job covering USC athletics at the Los Angeles Times, wrote a lovely piece on the bond between Andy Enfield and his father, describing the ways Bill Enfield influenced and inspired his son.

Andy Enfield reflected on his father, who built a basketball court so that he could play — and learn about — the game as a little boy in Shippensburg, Pa.:

“He meant a lot to me,” Enfield said. “He was just a terrific father. He was so supportive of whatever we were trying to do. He was always there, but he never pushed.”

And later:

“I came to understand how hard you had to work to be great at something,” Enfield said.

Enfield mentioned that his mother, Barbara, had sent him a photo before the Kansas game. Mark Enfield, Andy’s brother, intently watched the USC-Kansas game along with Barbara Enfield. Of the experience, Mark said, “It felt almost normal.”

Dad wasn’t there offering running commentary, but he was certainly there in spirit, and in the minds of each member of the Enfield family.

Andy Enfield will carry this special memory forever… and on Sunday, he will carry it onto the bench at the Sweet 16, where he will try to make his father proud once more.

*

Bracket busted? Play USA TODAY Sports Couchketball virtual hoops challenge – the basketball game where your skills determine the outcome.