Last year's roller coaster season concluded with Dave Odom's team claiming the NIT championship in a 60-57 thriller against St. Joseph's.
The loss of emotional and statistical leader Carlos Powell leaves the Gamecocks searching for someone to step up, with senior Tarence Kinsey the apparent heir.
Known for his big role in Carolina's victory against No. 3 Kentucky and for hitting the winning 3-pointer in the NIT championship game, Odom has hinted next season will be Kinsey's time to shine as a leader and scorer.
Junior Tre Kelley will also return as the starting point guard after responding positively as an on-the-court leader. Kelley is the returning lead scorer after averaging 8.9 points and 3.6 assists per game.
Senior Rocky Trice will pick up Josh Gonner's athleticism and hot shooting. The Gamecocks' only consistent free-throw shooter at 81 percent, Trice and junior college transfer Antoine Tisby will play increased roles after performing well last season. Tisby should provide the interior physical presence the Gamecocks have needed.
Juniors Renaldo Balkman and Brandon Wallace also will log key minutes and can start or provide an instant spark off the bench as the top returning rebounders. Sophomores Dwayne Day and Stephen McDowell will be key backups with extensive minutes when Kelley and Trice leave the game.
The Gamecocks will welcome three junior college transfers and one freshman.
Junior Bryce Sheldon and freshman Dominique Archie are wing players with an innate ability to score. Sheldon should become another perimeter threat to go along with Kinsey and Trice. Archie, a 6-foot-7-inch guard from Augusta, Ga., fits the mold of Kinsey and Balkman. Junior Keving Palacios and sophomore Ousmane Konate should be able to help immediately in the post, given how physically demanding the SEC will be on Wallace and Balkman.
Konate is Carolina's tallest player at 6-foot-9, which could become a problem, but perimeter play should be strong enough to allow the offense to stay effective and the defense to cause turnovers.
Expect great things from USC this season, and be prepared to participate in March Madness.
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