Gamecocks aim to snap two-game losing streak
After losing both of its games in the Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational, it’s safe to say South Carolina’s men’s basketball team isn’t pleased with where it stands nearly three weeks into the 2011-12 season.
As the Gamecocks prepare to play Providence tonight, they’re not focusing on the fact that they’re 2-4 and have lost two straight, but rather on the positive aspects that they can take from the losses.
“Obviously, we’re disappointed with our record,” said coach Darrin Horn. “But we’re far from discouraged with this team. We’ve seen some really positive things happen, especially individually, and I think the challenge is going to be that we’re going to continue to be a work in progress.”
USC will see the return of two-sport athlete Bruce Ellington this week, who returned to practice Monday. Ellington won’t just give the depleted squad an additional man, but will also help it function better. Horn still plans to start Eric Smith at point guard, but said Ellington will see playing time against the Friars.
“Obviously, with Bruce being back you get another guy that is, first of all, an athletic body,” Horn said. “Losing Brenton Williams was a huge blow for us in terms of rotation. [Ellington provides] another athletic body to score the basketball and do some athletic things ... There’s no question about his talent level and what he’s capable of. And, of course, I think he brings you a certain presence and energy because our guys know what he can do and he has a certain confidence about him.”
The return of Ellington will also give Lakeem Jackson a chance to go back to the wing, as opposed to the point, where he’d been playing in Ellington’s absence.
“I think you have to credit Lakeem Jackson for doing that,” Horn said. “It was what our team needed at the time and I thought that he handled it as well as it could be handled. There were some really bright spots. There were some times that he really struggled – probably because he’s not as comfortable and it was something that was new for him. For him to be able to go back to his more natural slasher position, I think there will be a comfort level in that.”
Jackson said there have been no talks between Ellington, Smith and himself about competition for the point, but rather just work towards restoring chemistry. Jackson said he has been awaiting his return to his natural position.
“It’s cool,” Jackson said. “I’ve been waiting to play a little bit of three, but I like the point. It’s just kind of fun to get Bruce back and to kind of work everything back into its natural position.”
The Gamecocks were also encouraged by the play they saw out of R.J. Slawson in Las Vegas, posting a double-double against then-No. 1 North Carolina. Though Horn said Slawson will continue to play from the bench, he could eventually be moved to the starting lineup.
“It’s the same thing we tell to everybody. You’ve got to be a guy that counts everyday,” Horn said. “R.J.’s whole focus in making him a good player is to be active. To be a guy that’s relentless on the glass and out there flying around and making stuff happen. He’s got one of those unique games with his length and his ability to make things happen. He can make a few technical mistakes on offense or defense and you’ll be frustrated, and you look down at the stat sheet at the end of the night — I had no idea he had a double-double against North Carolina.”
Though Horn isn’t happy with the record, he likes the progress and maturation he’s seen. For the Gamecocks, it’s still a work in progress.
“I don’t know that you can make guys older faster,” Horn said. “You really can’t do that. You’ve just got to go through it.”