SEC Basketball: In-depth conference preview

By Stuart Gill | Nov 3, 2016

Mar 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari shouts during the second half of the championship game against Texas A&M Aggies of the SEC tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky Wildcats won 82-77. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 27, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Duane Notice (10) dribbles the ball as he is defended by Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Quinndary Weatherspoon (11) during the first half of the game at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

3. South Carolina Gamecocks

2015-2016 record: 25-9 overall, 11-7 SEC

Head coach: Frank Martin

Notable departures: Michael Carrera, Laimonas Chatkevicius, Mindaugas Kacinas

Notable returnees: Duane Notice, Sindarius Thornwell, P.J. Dozier, Chris Silva

Notable newcomers: Four-star PF Sedee Keita, two-star PG Rakym Felder, non-ranked PF Maik-Kalev Kotsar, non-ranked Ran Tut, three-star F Khadim Gueye, JUCO G Hassani Gravett

South Carolina is fresh off their best season in program history, with their only other 24+ win season being the 1933-34 campaign. While the Gamecocks have lost size and talent in the front court due to the departures of forwards Michael Carrera, Laimonas Chatkevicius and Mindaugas Kacinas, head coach Frank Martin tried to reel in a possible replacement who is more than capable of helping out in the paint.

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The Gamecocks are especially excited about the arrival of 6’9″ power forward Sedee Keita. Keita closed out the recruiting season as the 85th best recruit in ESPN’s top 100 and plans to use all of his 240 pounds and athletic frame to run the floor, punish defenders down low, and protect the rim on the defensive side of the ball.

Duane Notice, Sindarius Thornwell and P.J. Dozier will anchor the backcourt. They should all expect to get plenty of outside shots, while the Gamecocks try to figure out their front court. If Martin’s backcourt plays lights out and the Keita steps up, the fifth year coach should enjoy finishing in the top three of the conference for the second straight season.

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