(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
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.
3 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete