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

By Donovan Darlington

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)
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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VILLANOVA, PA – NOVEMBER 17: Jordan Lyons #23 of the Furman Paladins reacts after defeating the Villanova Wildcats 76-68 in overtime at Finneran Pavilion on November 17, 2018 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
VILLANOVA, PA – NOVEMBER 17: Jordan Lyons #23 of the Furman Paladins reacts after defeating the Villanova Wildcats 76-68 in overtime at Finneran Pavilion on November 17, 2018 in Villanova, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

2. Furman – SOCON

Ah, the mighty Furman Paladins. You have to remember that these guys went on the road a season ago and knocked off two teams that were in the 2018 Final Four: Villanova and Loyola Chicago. Something tells me they could have also beaten just about all of the teams in the state of South Carolina. I’m convinced they still can this year as well.

Furman’s squad lost a great forward in Matt Rafferty from last year’s team, but apart from that, their roster remains intact and primed to compete in the Southern Conference once again. Forward Clay Mounce and guard Jordan Lyons are two of the best players in the Southern Conference, and they are also two of the best players in the entire state.

Guard Alex Hunter and forward Noah Gurley is back as well. They were also important catalysts for Furman’s success last season. The two averaged 9.0 and 8.8 ppg a season ago, respectively.

I am a firm believer that Furman Head Coach, Bob Richey, is now the best college basketball coach in South Carolina with Mike Young is no longer in the state. What Bob Richey has put together at Furman these past few years is nothing short of incredible. His guys play with a chip on their shoulder and to make it clear to everyone that they should no longer be overlooked.

With such a great coach and the return of very experienced players that play with fire every time they step on the floor, Furman would definitely be too much for Clemson and South Carolina to handle.

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