South Carolina Basketball

According to the Associated Press, South Carolina will be fined for violating league rules against permitting fans on the playing area following a 68-62 victory over top-ranked Kentucky on Tuesday night.

The amount of the fine: $25,000.

SEC commissioner Mike Slive stated the policy is to keep a safe environment for those who participate and attend league events.

The policy must be changed.

Someone could get killed.

It’s not about having fun or being a party pooper. It’s not about sportsmanship or the lack thereof.

It is and always has been about safety. In the interest of safety, the fans must be allowed to storm the court.

Mike Slive would be well served to familiarize himself with the events that occurred following UNLV’s 76-61 victory over BYU on March 15, 2008 in the Mountain West Conference Championship game.

In the 2007 Championship game, UNLV and BYU squared off. The Rebels won. With the win, UNLV clinched a berth in the NCAA tournament, and several hundred jubilant Rebel fans rushed the court to celebrate.

Many of the several thousand Cougar fans in attendance saw the act as stinging insult heaped upon freshly inflicted injury.

Eyebrows were raised. Fingers were pointed. Complaints were voiced.

One year later, action was taken.

At the 2008 MWC tournament, the conference, in an attempt to ensure the safety of the players, coaches, and fans, installed a five-foot tall black wall around the perimeter of the arena floor. The purpose of the “Great Wall of Vegas” was abundantly clear:

Keep the fans off the court.  

As the waning moments ticked off the clock, and a UNLV victory was imminent, the tension mounted to the point of thick palpability.

Rebel fans saw the black monster as a challenge. They weren’t about to back down. 

Cougar fans saw the opposition’s defiance as a call to arms. A handful of ushers and a man-made wall would be no match for a united throng of giddy fanatics. Help was needed.

The final horn sounded.

Much to the chagrin of MWC commissioner Craig Thompson, a few fans began to trickle onto the court. For a brief few moments, the ushers battled valiantly against the groundswell of enthusiasm, but were overmatched. Little by little, they hopped the wall, or navigated over to an opening, or found some way around or through the obstacle.

It was a delayed rush, but the fans would not be denied.

Unfortunately, several minutes elapsed between the final horn and the full-fledged, on-court, fan-jam.

Several long, dangerous, ugly minutes.

As the people slowly percolated the resistance, some Cougar fans felt compelled to lend a hand. Rebels’ fans, perturbed by the attempted vigilante justice, battled back.

Eyebrows were raised. Fingers were pointed. Complaints were voiced.

In some cases, things got physical. Punches were thrown. Blood was drawn. The situation escalated to the cusp of chaos.

Fortunately, the tide turned quickly; the danger diffused.  Only minor injuries were sustained. For a short time, a riot seemed inevitable. Somehow, a bullet was dodged.

Next time, the result could be different.

The MWC, and its commissioner, learned their lesson. The following year, there was no wall.  The fans were encouraged to allow the opposing players a few moments to clear the court and then invited to descend and celebrate. No one was harmed. There was no tension. The safety police would have beamed with pride.

Though the circumstance of that game and the Gamecocks upset of No. 1 Kentucky bear few similarities, the fundamental principle is the same.

Where safety is concerned, attempting to ban fans from the court is foolish, short-sighted, and irresponsible.

Fans have no right to storm the court, but once they decide to storm, storm they will. Preventive measures inevitably add gallons of fuel to an otherwise harmless, controlled fire.

A euphoric mass can quickly transform into an angry mob.

Mike Slive, let common sense prevail. Shake your head; shrug your shoulders; furrow your brow; wag your finger; throw your hands up in disgust.

You don’t have to like it, but please, for safety’s sake:

Let them storm.

On Tuesday night, there was more than one David conquering Goliath in the Colonial Life Arena.

There was Kentucky—the best team in the nation—strutting into Columbia, S.C., having won its first 19 games of the year and eyeing the 20th. However, the swagger Kentucky had is now gone thanks to the South Carolina Gamecocks, led by guard Devan Downey.

Downey, the senior sensation and undersized guard, has opened the eyes of many while leading the injury-depleted Gamecocks this season.

Listed at 5'9", his height has been the sole reason Downey has been doubted and why he wasn't a more highly-touted recruit coming out of high school in Chester, S.C.

Downey is more than just a basketball player in South Carolina. The kid holds numerous state records, was the 2005 Mr. Basketball, and is a celebrity. He is one of those few people whose talent, everyone can tell, lifts limitations on his future, and he has no problem letting you know.

That's why, when Downey came back to South Carolina after spending the 2005-06 season as a Cincinnati Bearcat, it seemed as though the Gamecocks had hit the lottery.

This year has been nothing short of spectacular for Downey, averaging 22.4 points per game, 3.6 assists, 3.1 steals, and 3.4 rebounds per game. In six conference games so far this year (against Auburn, LSU, Vandy, Ole Miss, Florida, and then-No. 1 Kentucky), Downey has been at his best, averaging 31.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.3 steals per game.

Compared to John Wall, who many consider the best player in the country, Downey has been a much bigger asset to his team.

Wall averages 17.1 points per game, 6.6 assists per game, 3.7 rebounds per game (Wall has a height advantage of seven inches on Downey), and 2.1 steals.

Downey was able to prevent Wall, an impact player known to take over late in games, from bringing Kentucky back to life and preventing the major upset.

The main difference between Downey and many players in consideration for postseason awards is his worth to the Gamecocks.

For the most part, after losing stars Dominique Archie and Mike Holmes (dismissed from team) for the remainder of the season, Downey has been the driving force that has led the Gamecocks this season.

Tuesday night, Downey showed he can be a one-man wrecking crew, wreaking havoc on Kentucky's defense and causing Coach John Calipari to constantly double-team.

The things that continue to be impressive are Downey's speed, his ability to see the floor, and his ability to just get the ball in the hoop.

When he is double-teamed, he finds the open man.

When he is pressed, he simply dribbles around it with ease. He was able to break Kentucky's volatile press last night without many turnovers (two for the game), most of the time simply outrunning the unbelievably-athletic Wildcats’ press defense.

When he has an open look, he doesn’t think twice before letting it fly.

And more often than not, he makes great decisions with the basketball by just letting his instincts do the work.

Downey has put the entire Gamecocks' basketball program on his back, and he continues to run at full speed.

What he lacks in size he makes up for with heart and the will to win; that is what makes him the most valuable player in college basketball.

Just ask anyone in South Carolina: Downey, their home-grown superstar and their David who continues to electrify in a sport of Goliaths, is the best.

And they will be sure to tell you only the sky is the limit for the guard from Chester.

At A Glance:

Richmond:  7-2. AP: NR ESPN: NR BP: NR RPI: 33 BPI: 39

South Carolina:  6-2. AP: NR ESPN: NR BP: NR RPI: 69 BPI: 75

Point Guards:

David Gonzalvez has improved his game every season and boasts nearly a three-to-one turnover-to-assist ratio in his senior campaign.  He rebounds well from the point position (nearly four a game) while making nearly half his shots.  However, he is a mediocre free-throw shooter (62 percent) which is obviously a factor in crunch time.

If college basketball suddenly limited players to six feet and under Devan Downey would be a perennial candidate for first-team All-America.  But while his shooting from the field and line are at career highs his turnover ratio is at a career low.  Considering he brings the scary to all facets of his game this probably isn’t a huge concern but it bears watching once the Gamecocks get into conference play.  He’s a defensive demon who will make like difficult for his opposite number.

Advantage:  South Carolina.  Hmmm…..all-SEC performer vs. steadily improving – well, you get the picture.

Shooting Guards:

Kevin Anderson never leaves the floor and isn’t shy about putting it up (35 minutes a game, 14 shots a game).  This translates to his leading-scorer status (17.3 points a game).  Despite his height disadvantage he’s a decent defender but turns the ball over.  Look for him to get the call to shoot it if this is a close contest.

Brandis Raley-Ross has taken advantage of increased playing time to average over 12 points a game.  He makes nearly half his shots from radar-love distance and also provides quality defensive support.  The Gamecocks’ backcourt isn’t long on height but make up for it in speed and quickness.

Advantage:  Even.  This looks like the most interesting battle of the night.  Raley-Ross might have to sacrifice a bit of his offense.

Swingmen:

The most impressive stat from Ryan Butler’s records this year is his performance from the line (14-for-14).  He’s not a threat in the interior (only 2.5 shots per game from inside three, less than three rebounds a game) and has had at least three fouls in seven of nine contests this year.  He could excel if he gets a good matchup against a three-guard lineup but he’s not the guy you have to worry about down the stretch.

If Dominique Archie were able to play this matchup wouldn’t be close but a knee injury is keeping him on the sidelines until conference play.  In his stead, freshman Lakeem Jackson has provided about ten points a game and six rebounds a game.  Obviously the Gamecocks would prefer to have Archie back but this bodes very well for the future of the program.

Advantage:  South Carolina.  Even though Jackson’s a youngster, he has stepped up to the plate.

Power Forwards:

Justin Harper has a lot of potential in the A-10.  There’s not a lot of six-ten power forwards in the conference and he’s willing to do some dirty work on the offensive glass.  He can also step outside if the opportunity presents itself and be effective.  While he’s not a double-digit scorer yet look for that figure to increase once conference play starts.

Sam Muldrow reminds some people of Jarvis Varnado with his shot-blocking ability but he is a bit more of an offensive threat than his Mississippi State counterpart.  Even though Archie and Mike Holmes get more press Muldrow is a very important part of this lineup who could be a first-team all-conference player next year as a senior.

Advantage:  South Carolina.  Harper may realize his potential but Muldrow is tapping into it.

Centers:

Dan Geriot is a physical specimen at 6-9 and 255 but plays as a point center in this Princeton-style offense (2.3 assists per game).  He had an impressive 16-point, 17-rebound effort earlier this season against VMI but is not going to thrill you with his shooting acumen (37 percent from the field).  He’s also yet to block a shot this season.

Mike Holmes is apparently a poster child for the cliché “Don’t try this at home” as he has been sidelined indefinitely as he recovers from facial surgery, allegedly due to horseplay at home.  Austin Steed isn’t really a center but will probably play one on TV until Holmes returns.  In a nutshell, his role is to get out of the way while his teammates do their work.

Advantage: Richmond.  If South Carolina gets any production from Steed it will be a bonus.

Bench:

With Princeton-style teams the bench doesn’t usually get many opportunities to produce and it’s not like the Spiders have done much with those opportunities.  Only two players average more than ten minutes a game and they are combining to average a miniscule four points a game.  The bench’s role is to give the starters a breather before they get back on the floor ASAP.

The Gamecocks’ bench could be a real asset once they get Archie and Holmes back.  Until then, third guard Ramon Galloway provides almost nine points a game.  The other bench performers are there to give the occasional breather.

Advantage:  South Carolina.  Richmond doesn’t have anybody who comes close to matching Galloway’s production.

Coaching:

Chris Mooney has gotten the Spiders to buy into the system he played in for four years at Princeton.  Even though he has a losing record overall he has taken the Spiders to postseason tournaments in each of the last two seasons. 

Darrin Horn just signed a contract extension, which has been well-deserved.  He is having more success than his mentor Tom Crean and likes his team to push the ball up the court. 

Advantage:  South Carolina.  Mooney is getting Richmond back to contention in the A-10 but Horn has done it every year with each team that he’s been with.

Prediction:

Even though South Carolina has a decided advantage on paper Richmond’s walk-it-up style could give the Gamecocks fits.  The Spiders have also become a wise-guy pick to return to the Dance this season and South Carolina has struggled against teams likely to play on the big stage in March.  Still, I think the Gamecocks have a decided advantage at key positions, which will make the difference.

South Carolina 71, Richmond 63.

For the second-straight season, the Gamecocks return nearly every single player on their roster.

Second-year head coach Darrin Horn is hoping that, for the second-straight season, the Gamecocks won't underachieve.

Despite being one of the most experienced rosters in the league last season, USC only managed 21 wins and a first-round NIT exit.

Last year's squad was dangerous, but inconsistent. And there certainly was significant improvement from the previous two years, but not nearly as much as many expected, despite tying for the SEC Eastern Division Championship.

The issue this coming year is that, though the team is likely the most experienced in the league with eight upperclassmen on the roster, the SEC has caught up. Last year, the league was weak, but specifically the East has retooled and every team but Georgia could legitimately challenge for the division this season.

Last year seemed to be USC's shot at making a statement and although the team improved heavily, it fell just short of making a name for itself.

This season, it will be much, much harder to do so.

The team brings back every major contributor to that team minus Zam Fredrick, the team's top shooter. Also gone are Branden Conrad and Mitchell Carter, neither of who played more than 20 games last season.

To replace them, Horn has some respectable talent coming into Columbia.

Lakeem Jackson
(No. 68 overall, No. 15 SF, 4 stars, 6'5", 200lbs)

Jackson has energy to spare, both on offense and defense. His strength, speed, and aggressiveness will suit him well if they translate into college. His tendency to turn the ball over while slashing to the basket, however, needs to be limited and his shooting touch could improve.

Ultimately, he's a big guard-type that, once the learning process is complete, has the body of a successful SEC player. Could start.

Ramon Galloway
(No. 13 PG, 3 stars, 6'2", 170lbs)

Galloway has blinding speed and huge hops, and is very long for his size. He's great driving to the rim, but can see the floor as a point, as well.

He will probably endure some growing pains in college, but he should be ready to step into Downey's shoes next season.

Steve Spinella
(No. 44 SG, 3 stars, 6'5", 180lbs)

The Gamecocks desperately needed to add size on their perimeter, and have done so in this long, sizeable shooter.

Spinella is not much more than a shooter, but his shooting touch could be potent if it can endure SEC defenses. With his size, I suspect he'll have a better shot than most.

Johndre Jefferson
(PF, 2 stars, 6'9", 205lbs)

With the Gamecocks suffering at times last season due to their lack of size in all areas of the floor, Jefferson should help provide a big body to take some pressure off defensively.

Jefferson is a capable shot-blocker and is relatively quick for his size, but isn't much of a scorer.

Hard to tell whether the offseason brought a net gain or loss for the Gamecocks, as Fredrick was crucially important for the team but the addition is substantial. Jackson may get the start, or may be the first man off the bench. He might be able to provide a spark offensively to compensate for Fredrick's departure.

Devan Downey , 5'9", 170lb Senior PG
(19.8ppg, 2.8rpg, 89 stl, 1.3 A/TO)

Downey is one of the most well-known names in the SEC, but also one of the more overrated.

What he does well, he does very well. He handles the ball with care, is an excellent passer and is the best on-ball defender in the league.

His scoring prowess, however, is less potent than most would have you believe. Downey is potent slashing to the rim, but despite his 150 attempts from long-range last season he only managed to make 34.7 percent of those.

Downey is a tremendous player and dynamic offensive and defensive force, but his shooting needs to improve this season if he hopes to compete for SEC Player of the Year.

Dominique Archie , 6'7", 216lb Senior SF
(10.9ppg, 6.4rpg, 50.8% FG, 47 stl)

Archie is a powerful all-around player who can do everything required of him. He is one of the best rebounders in the league at his position, his length makes him a dangerous defender both on and off the ball, and he has a solid jumper to complement his offensive package.

He can also shoot competently behind the arc, making him incredibly difficult to defend. His energy will be crucial to the Gamecocks' success this season.

Mike Holmes , 6'7", 230lb Junior PF
(10.8ppg, 7.7rpg, 37 blk, 40 stl)

Holmes is one of the more under-appreciated big-men in the league because of his relative lack of offensive skill.

His shooting is pretty close to awful, and his ball-handling is worse. On top of this, his mark from the charity stripe was 45.8 percent last season.

However, his rebounding is highly efficient and he is a lockdown defender. He should either opt to shoot less or improve his shot-selection, but he is a valuable starter regardless.

Brandis Raley-Ross , 6'2", 194lb Senior SG
(7.0ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.09 A/TO, 41.8% FG)

Raley-Ross struggles in most areas of the game. His shooting touch is nothing more than adequate, his rebounding leaves room to be desired, and his defense is flat-out bad.

Despite starting seven games last season, it's tough to imagine Raley-Ross playing more than a backup role on this year's team.

Evaldas Banilius , 6'7", 215lb Senior SF
(6.4ppg, 2.6rpg, 48.0% 3PT, 47.5% FG)

Banilius is an underused shooter. That percentage isn't a trick —he attempted 100 shots last season and made 48 of them. Some serious shooting.

His ability to hold onto the ball and defense are lacking, but his shooting alone could sneak him into the starting lineup if it continues to be as consistent as it was a year ago.

Sam Muldrow , 6'9", 220 Junior C
(5.6ppg, 5.3rpg, 56.5% FG, 39 blk)

Though he's no Varnado, Muldrow is a great shot-blocker. In fact, he's the SEC's second-most efficient returning swatter.

He's reliable offensively, as well. His range is as limited as you'd expect a center's to be, but he is great in and around the paint.

He's the clean-up kind of guy who can do everything that's required. He's got size and can rebound. Not a great ball-handler, but he isn't asked to do much with the ball.

Muldrow could very well compete for a starting spot for the small USC team to add size and experience underneath the basket.

Austin Steed , 6'8", 235lb Junior C
(3.9ppg, 3.6rpg, 49.4% FG, 31blk)

Steed is pretty close to a twin of Muldrow, ability-wise. Neither can hold onto the ball, but both are potent shot-blockers and reliable scorers. Steed has a bit more size and is more assertive offensively, but takes riskier shots.

Robert Wilder , 6'1", 188lb Senior PG
(0.2ppg, 0.2rpg, 42.9% FT, 3 stl)

Despite seeing a little less than five minutes per game and action in 29 of them, Wilder put up eye-poppingly horrible numbers. He has zero confidence and is one of the most irrelevant and inefficient players in the league.

The Gamecocks don't have a ton of depth, but do have a good deal of talent in the top seven or eight-man rotation. The peculiar aspect of USC's roster is that nearly every player has some glaring weakness at their own position, and those weaknesses will need to be complemented with a consistent rotation of players if the Gamecocks hope to make the NCAA Tournament this season.

Schedule Breakdown

Cupcakes : Alabama A&M (H), Georgia Southern (H), Jacksonville (H), Wofford (A), Furman (H), Longwood (H)

Real Games : La Salle (N), Western Kentucky (H), Richmond (H),

Marquee Matchups : Clemson (A), Boston College (A), Baylor (H)

Opposite Division : Auburn (A), LSU (H), Ole Miss (A), Arkansas (A),
Mississippi State (H), Alabama (H)

Predicted Result : (16-12, 7-9), No Postseason

Analysis : While South Carolina may be a better team than last year, it won't show. Losing its second-leading scorer and bringing in only one sure-fire immediate contributor, coupled with the massive strengthening of the SEC East, should prove a setback for the Gamecocks this season.

What's Returning

Points : 77.61 percent (5th—SEC Avg: 73.81 percent)

Rebounds : 87.94 percent (3rd—SEC Avg: 75.80 percent)

Surprisingly to some, USC has an uphill battle to fight this season. Points must be replaced, balance must be found and an all-out dogfight with the SEC East must be waged.

The Gamecocks have the talent to contend for an NIT birth, but the NCAA's will be a massive over-achievement.

Outlook

• These awards are meant to effectively and accurately pick the best (and worst) performers in each category. Thus, a line was drawn roughly around the area of 15 games played and/or 40 minutes – 1 full game – played as a minimum. This was done to limit the effect of outliers bringing to our attention surprising walk-ons that could be, according to the stats, future superstars.
• Obviously, these awards are not all-encompassing. Players that transferred or any other players that didn’t play for any reason last season are not included.
• Be sure to understand that each of these categories, alone, are misleading. For example, if a player won Least Minutes/Assist but also finished last in Least Minutes/Turnover, it is not as impressive. Combining these rankings and statistics will give a more clear and well-rounded picture, but these rankings are fun nonetheless.

The winner is…

DEVAN DOWNEY – Senior, South Carolina – 1.93 – Last Year: 2.32
Downey and Thornton finished 1 and 2 for the second-straight year, while Downey jumped a spot this year to claim first place. Downey is a dynamic pint-sized (5′9″) point guard who has blazing speed and the moves to drive to the basket while the lumbering bodies of those around him stumble  over themselves trying to stop the layup. Downey will be a favorite for SEC Player of the Year in 2009-10.

The others…

2. Marcus Thornton – Graduated, LSU – 2.06 – Last Year: 2.15
Thornton increased his already extreme output from a year ago, but was just surpassed by Downey. Thornton is quick and dynamic, but more of a pure shooter than Downey as he was one of the most dangerous outside threats in the conference. Thornton was everything for LSU a year ago, and he carried the load again this year despite a bit more help around him on and off the sidelines.

3. Jodie Meeks – NBA Draft, Kentucky – 2.18 – Last Year: 2.90
Meeks was the SEC’s superstar last year, taking his name from outsie any All-SEC lists to the NBA draft. He’s always liked to shoot, but he bursted onto the scene this season in a big way, leading the conference in scoring at 23.7 points per game. Meeks was Kentucky’s only true shooting threat, and thus the offense ran through him and big-man Patrick Patterson.

4. Chris Warren – Junior, Ole Miss – 2.21 – Last Year: 2.42
Warren is a potential superstar who had a phenomenal freshman year before suffering an injury 11 games into the 2008-09 season. If he can return to form, he’ll be one of the league’s scorers and one of the nation’s best ball-handlers. Warren is an excellent all-around player, as his percentages and efficiency numbers are through the roof. Warren will vie for SEC Player of the Year honors by his senior season if he can return to 100 percent.

5. Travis Leslie – Sophomore, Georgia – 2.33 – Last Year: N.A.
Leslie, while admirably brave for a freshman, was a bit of a ball-hog last season. His numbers can’t be overlooked, as he was pretty efficient at bringing home the points as well, but his 0.59 assist-to-turnover ratio and 57.5 percent mark from the charity stripe will have to improve for him to truly have a significant impact for the Bulldogs.

6. Trey Thompkins – Sophomore, Georgia – 2.36 – Last Year: N.A.
Thompkins was easily the most underrated freshman in the league last year, as he shot nearly 40 percent from three – and this is a 6′9″, 247 pound big-man. Thompkins is one of the most versatile players in the conference, and he will once again be relied upon heavily by a talent-starved Georgia team.

7. David Huertas – Overseas, Ole Miss – 2.39 – Last Year: 2.72
While Ole Miss fans will likely brush this loss off, losing Huertas to professional play overseas was a massive blow to the Rebels’ chances at a breakout season in 2009-10. Huertas led the team in scoring and was one of the team’s most prolific rebounders and ball-handlers. Huertas needed tp step up after three starters fell to season-ending injuries, and he did so with flair.

8. Zam Fredrick – Graduated, South Carolina – 2.39 – Last Year: 2.58
Fredrick was an under-the-radar type who was a reliable shooting presence to take some defensive heat off of Downey. Fredrick was Downey’s favorite target outside the arc, and he brought treys down at nearly a 38 percent clip.

9. Senario Hillman – Junior, Alabama – 2.40 – Last Year: 3.40
Hillman is a pure slasher, and not much else. He attempted over 100 threes a season ago and barely made over 27 percent of them, while he had a tendency to turn the ball over as well. Hillman was one of the Tide’s few options last year, but more of the offense should have been flowing through Gee and Green.

10. Wayne Chism – Senior, Tennessee – 2.47 – Last Year: 2.79
If a man named Tyler Smith didn’t play for the Vols, Chism would be a superstar. Chism is without a doubt better at his position than Smith, although not as versatile. Chism is one of the league’s best inside-men both offensively and defensively, and his efficiency numbers are outstanding. While he won’t get the publicity, Chism is the scariest player on Tennessee’s roster.

The opposite end of the spectrum…

1. Robert Wilder – Senior, South Carolina – 35.75 – Last Year: 4.67

2. Chris Bass – Sophomore, LSU – 10.62 – Last Year: N.A.

3. Kevin Cantinol – Sophomore, Ole Miss – 8.70 – Last Year: N.A.

4. Demetrius Jemison – Senior, Alabama – 7.42 – Last Year: 4.57

5. Quintin Thornton – Graduated, LSU – 7.37 – Last Year: 16.77

6. Steven Pearl – Junior, Tennessee – 7.30 – Last Year: 4.73

7. Branden Conrad – Graduated, South Carolina – 7.13 – Last Year: 15.33

8. Josh Tabb – Senior, Tennessee – 6.66 – Last Year: 7.91

 9. Marcus Britt – Junior, Arkansas – 6.66 – Last Year: 6.74

10. Darshawn McClellan – Junior, Vandebrilt – 6.62 – Last Year: 6.22

Please leave comments!!

Thank you!

What a heartbreaking, exhilirating, intense, emotional year this basketball season was for the South Carolina Gamecocks. 

Before the fans of the program begin speaking of the dissapointing NCAA omission and the NIT loss to Davidson and master shooter Stephon Curry, they should be thankful. 

There is an old saying among educators, before you say anything to a teacher, start with "thank you".  This saying applies with regard to this team. 

Thank you for bringing us to tears... for giving us something to cheer for... for giving your all... for delivering us an SEC east championship banner... for overachieving... thank you Zam for your years of dedication and your emotion... I believe that your tears after that loss in the NIT are one of the all-time great Carolina images. 

To begin with, our lineup now has the makings of one of the truly great basketball teams.  USC is only losing Zam, an underrated guard who sometimes played ahead of himself, and Branden Conrad. 

Carolina, barring an NBA departure, keeps a great senior leader in Devan Downy, an all-SEC selection who scored almost 20 points a game and always seemed to find ways to help us win. 

They also keep Dominique Archie, Sam Muldrow, and Mike Holmes, who really improved their play and should be a dominating front court next season.  The three players combined for nearly 30 points, 19 rebounds, and multiple blocks per game. 

Let's also not forget Brandis Raley-Ross, the sixth man of the year in the SEC (potential Downey replacement if Downey goes pro and possble Zam replacement), and Evaldus Baniulis, a hot shot three-point shooter, one of the top in the nation. 

To lead the team, we have a coach of the year finalist in Darrin Horn. 

Carolina fans, the future has never looked so good.  We have four freshman coming in.  A point guard, shooting guard, small forward, and power forward.  Find a center, and they have a brand new team to grow.  Carolina has not had a recruiting class like this in years.  Four solid three-star players coming in. 

The frontcourt needs to continue to grow, and someone needs to step up and be Downey's wingman due to Zam Fredricks departure.  If Double D leaves, then we will need two players to step up. Maybe a freshman and Raley Ross or maybe Baniulis can do the job. 

Either way, we celebrate the season.  Next year will be a pleasure to watch.  Thank you, Carolina for making basketball relevant again.  

Tennessee takes on South Carolina with the winner grabbing hold of the SEC East lead. If Tennessee wins they will win the East, having beaten South Carolina once already. The Gamecocks are hoping to protect their 16-1 home record, including an undefeated 7-0 in SEC play.

Records

Tennessee 18-10, 9-5, 5-5 (away), RPI 21
South Carolina 20-7, 9-5, 16-1 (home), RPI 42

Series

Tennessee has won eight of the last 10.
South Carolina has won three of the last five at home.

Last Meeting: Tennessee 81, South Carolina 78

The Vols held off a second half rally from South Carolina to defeat the Gamecocks by three in Knoxville. UT was red hot, shooting 59 percent from the floor, but 22 turnovers were almost their undoing. Tyler Smith led all scorers with 20 points. The Gamecocks were able to grab 15 offensive rebounds.

What South Carolina Must Do to Win...

1. Guard the Three-Point Shot

The Vols are not a great outside shooting team, but they shot 10-19 on three-pointers in Sunday's win at Florida. The Gamecocks are allowing just over 32 percent on the season, but Vandy was 8-for-16 in the Gamecocks' loss last Saturday.

2. Frederick, Downey, and ?

We know Zam Frederick and Devan Downey are going to get their points. But who else will step up for Darrin Horn's club? Dominique Archie and Mike Holmes are both averaging double figures and will need to take some of the burden off Downey and Frederick.

What Tennessee Must Do to Win...

1. Protect the Ball

South Carolina ranks No. 1 in the SEC in forced turnovers at nearly 20 per game. The Vols had just six in the win against Florida and 10 in the previous game vs. Miss State, also a win. Contrast that with five of South Carolina's last six opponents having turned it over at least 20 times.

2. Establish an Inside Presence

While watching the Kentucky-South Carolina game, I was amazed at how many blocks the Gamecocks got (16). But the Vols cannot be scared to take it inside, which is one of their strengths. Wayne Chism and Tyler Smith have to establish themselves inside.

Prediction

I have become a believer in South Carolina this season. I think they are in the NCAA Tournament, but some still feel they are a bubble team. They will cement their status with a win at home over Tennessee because the Vols will not be able to replicate their Florida shooting performance.

South Carolina wins by 3-8 points

Season: 22-20 SU through 3/3

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