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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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 26: Maik Kotsar #21 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts against the Florida Gators in the first half during the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament East Regional at Madison Square Garden on March 26, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

5. South Carolina – SEC

The South Carolina Gamecocks seem to still be fighting through a Final Four hangover. You most likely remember their surprise dance all the way there back in 2017. The past two seasons, however, things have not been very great for the Gamecocks.

What has really hurt them has been their inability to perform well in the non-conference. They do not have the weapons needed in order to put up a strong showing against top programs around the country. I also fear for them when they compete against talented mid-majors that are looking to make a statement. Just last year, Wofford stepped onto South Carolina’s home floor and thrashed them 81-61.

For these reasons, I am confident that my placement of South Carolina at 5th, behind an ACC school and 3 mid-majors, was the right move.

On top of not seeming to be able to compete when it matters, the Gamecocks lost Chris Silva and Hassani Gravett from last year’s squad. These guys provided much of their firepower, although A.J. Lawson and Maik Kotsar are both back. Another positive is that forward Justin Minaya is now back after missing most of last season due to injury. The Gamecocks are also bringing in Seventh Woods, a Columbia native who spent the majority of his college career at North Carolina. Woods is ineligible this season.

I hope to see things change for the better for the Gamecocks within the next few years, but for now, despite the fact that they wear the name of the state on their jerseys, they are not the best team in it.

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