South Carolina Basketball: Sindarius Thornwell set to return on Wednesday
South Carolina basketball finished 3-3 while Sindarius Thornwell was serving a suspension.
After missing six straight games, including three losses, the South Carolina Gamecocks’ top player Sindarius Thornwell will be returning to the lineup on Wednesday versus the Georgia Bulldogs.
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"“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Thornwell said at a news conference Monday morning. “I want to apologize to the fans and most of all my coaches and teammates.”The school says after a review of the situation by Martin and athletics director Ray Tanner, it was determined that Thornwell met the necessary requirements to return to game action.“Sindarius has taken full responsibility for his mistake that led to his suspension,” Martin said. “He has worked hard over the course of the last few weeks and has done everything we’ve asked of him to make his way back to the court.”"
Thornwell was suspended for a violation of an athletic department policy following the Gamecocks’ victory over Vermont back in early December. This past offseason, the senior guard was arrested on a marijuana charge. The suspension did not involve the May incident though, as Frank Martin and company did not disclose the reason for ban.
Before the indefinite suspension, the Gamecocks were undefeated, with victories over two top 25 teams (at the time), Syracuse and Michigan, and a strong mid-major squad in Monmouth. With Thornwell out, South Carolina dropped games to Seton Hall at Madison Square Garden, Clemson at home and Memphis in a beatdown.
The 6’5″, 211 pound guard is averaging 18.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. He is also shooting 48 percent from the field, 48 percent from beyond the arc and 88 percent from the free throw line.
Thornwell is a key player on the offensive end of the ball (he’s the team’s leading scorer), but he helps the Gamecocks’ stellar defense thrive. His length, size, athleticism and activity help him rack up deflections, steals and blocks. He is a terrific on-ball defender because of his toughness and physicality. He can also pressure opposing guards and defend numerous positions.
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The Gamecocks were already one of the top teams in the SEC without Thornwell. With their elite player and potential All-SEC player back in the lineup, Martin’s unit is the second best squad in the conference.