Nikola Vucevic owes Jerian Grant dinner.
Vucevic, a former standout at the University of Southern California, and Jerian Grant, who starred at Notre Dame, are teammates on the Orlando Magic, but they had opposite rooting interests Saturday night at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
The Magic were in town for Sunday’s matchup with the Lakers, but Vooch and Grant were focused on Notre Dame and USC facing off on the football field Saturday.
Vucevic, who was on the field with USC for the game, and Grant, who was in the seats at the Coliseum, had a friendly little wager with his teammate.
Grant is now ready to claim the prize after the Irish remained unbeaten and defeated the Trojans 24-17.
“I had to [talk-trash]. His school is struggling and we’re headed to the playoffs,” Grant said of the Irish’s push for a College Football Playoff semifinal bid. “It was fun — my first time in the Coliseum. USC-Notre Dame, obviously everybody knows the history, so it was definitely a fun time for me to get out there and support my school.
“I was in the crowd, so I saw a few familiar faces.”
Notre Dame fans, as is the case any time the Irish are on the road, had a strong showing at the Coliseum.
“They’re everywhere, really, the Notre Dame family is everywhere,” said Grant, who said he even sees support from Notre Dame fans on the NBA circuit. “Everywhere I go, even if you go out to eat, someday will see me and be like, ‘Notre Dame.’ So people know me more from Notre Dame than from the NBA, so it’s cool.”
And as for that little wager with Vooch?
“Oh yeah, he owes me a little bit,” Grant laughed.
