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) /

3 of 9

WICHITA, KS – NOVEMBER 13: Guard Landry Shamet #11 of the Wichita State Shockers defends guard Danny Upchurch #10 of the Charleston Southern Buccaneers during the first half on November 13, 2015 at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas. Wichita State defeated Charleston Southern 88-63. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

9. Charleston Southern – Big South

Charleston Southern finished in the back half of the Big South Conference last season. They had a great guard in Christian Keeling, a guy that averaged 18.7 ppg for the Buccaneers, but he has now transferred to North Carolina. They return a solid guard in Phlandrous Fleming Jr., but I am afraid they are too shorthanded to have a solid showing in the Big South this season.

8. Presbyterian College – Big South

Presbyterian finished 6th, center of the pack in the Big South Conference last season. Presbyterian has now lost its top 3 scorers from last year’s team. Two were seniors, and exciting freshman guard, Adam Flagler, has transferred to Baylor. They may be spending time tending to these wounds, but they do have things to look forward to. Guard JC Younger averaged just under 10 ppg last season, and I feel like he will step up even more this year as a senior. Presbyterian will get a shot at Clemson on November 7th.

7. Coastal Carolina – Sun Belt

Last season, Coastal Carolina finished just in the back half of the Sun Belt. I truly believe things will be different this year. They return a solid backcourt in Sophomore DeVante Jones and Senior Tyrell Gumbs-Frater. They averaged 13.4 and 10.1 ppg last season, respectively. DeVante Jones was named Sun Belt Freshman of the Year and he is certainly on his way to great things. I expect to see Coastal Carolina be more competitive in the Sun Belt this season and contend for an NCAA Tournament bid. The Myrtle Beach Invitational on their home floor will be very revealing of how good they can be.

Home/NCAA Basketball News