Record 22-10
The Gamecocks lost 3 pieces of last year starting five and were not expected to adjust quickly enough to be back in the tournament. Yet, coach Frank Martin’s work is paying off and, despite a few ups and downs, South Carolina is still the third force in the conference. The team’s defense is excellent and only allowed 53 points in a game against Florida in the regular season. The offense, however, is not nearly as good, and that might be an issue in the tournament. In the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament, for example, the Gamecocks only scored 53 points against Alabama and lost.
Key player
Sophomore PJ Dozier seems unable to put together consecutive good performances, but if he had to change in the near future he will be great as a quick 6-5 guard. Nba teams will take a flier on him, if only for his potential. Fellow sophomore forward Chris Silva has good rebounding instincts, but he, just like Dozier, is inconsistent in his play. The team’s leader is senior Sindarius Thornwell, a strong guard with good shooting touch and unafraid of responsibilities who had the best season of his career. He might have his shot at the Nba, but if he will not make it there, he will have plenty of opportunities overseas
Prediction
South Carolina’s best case scenario in the tournament probably is a loss in the third round.
