NCAA Basketball: Ranking state of South Carolina programs for 2019-20

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 30: Head coach Frank Martin of the South Carolina Gamecocks speaks with the media during a press conference for the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium on March 30, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

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BLACKSBURG, VA – DECEMBER 09: Aramani Hill #1 of the SC State Bulldogs looks to pass in the first half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /

12. USC Upstate – Big South

The Spartans of South Carolina Upstate are one of four teams from the state that compete in the Big South Conference. A season ago, they finished dead last in the Big South, winning only one conference game and only six on the entire year. Things may be worse for the Spartans this season. They had a veteran backcourt last year, and now, their top scorers are gone. They have a lot of work to do, but hopefully things will look up for them sooner than it seems.

11. The Citadel – Southern

The Citadel has not performed well in the Southern Conference in a while, nor have they played well in throughout the non-conference portion of the year. Unfortunately for them, things do not seem to be improving anytime soon. Their best player from a season ago, Lew Stallworth, a Second Team All-SoCon selection a season ago, has now graduated. They do not return much production and they will have a huge hole to fill in his absence. Best of luck to The Citadel this season.

10. South Carolina State – MEAC

The South Carolina State Bulldogs have been finishing toward the back-end of the MEAC for quite some time. Back in 2015-16, they did manage to go 12-4 in conference play and earn a ticket to the CIT. With teams such as Norfolk State and North Carolina Central consistently at the top of the MEAC, South Carolina State just does not have what it takes to compete in the conference. As for hypothetical matchups against other teams in the state, South Carolina State just simply does not possess the talent that some of the others do.

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