Busting Brackets
Fansided

SEC Basketball: 3 bold predictions for 2019-20 season

By Brian Rauf

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Florida Gators is defended by Jazz Johnson #22 of the Nevada Wolf Pack in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Andrew Nembhard #2 of the Florida Gators is defended by Jazz Johnson #22 of the Nevada Wolf Pack in the second half during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, AZ – MARCH 31: Head coach Frank Martin of the South Carolina Gamecocks speaks to his team during practice ahead of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium on March 31, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – MARCH 31: Head coach Frank Martin of the South Carolina Gamecocks speaks to his team during practice ahead of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium on March 31, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2) South Carolina finishes 4th

I am a South Carolina alum. I usually try to avoid talking about the Gamecocks because I know anything I say can be viewed as biased, no matter how objective it is.

This year, though, I (objectively) can’t help but feel excited about the potential this group has.

South Carolina doesn’t have the star power of the 2017 Final Four team but are led by a potential first-round pick in 6-6 sophomore AJ Lawson, a versatile wing who can do a bit of everything while also scoring at a high clip. He’ll be the leader of what should be a turnaround for the Gamecocks on that end of the floor.

Yes, this may be the first South Carolina team Frank Martin has had that will be capable of scaring opponents on offense.

Lawson is joined by talented wing Justin Minaya, another do-everything player coming off a redshirt year due to knee injury, and point guard Jermaine Couisnard, who is also coming off a redshirt but has a reputation as a lethal shooter and scorer, both of which were on display this summer.

Then there’s 6-5 sophomore Keyshawn Bryant who, while he may miss the start of the season with a minor knee injury, will make an impact as a small-ball four/power three thanks to his elite athleticism. He’s also good for a few highlights:

With improved depth thanks to a number of returning role players, solid freshman class, and Tennessee Tech grad transfer Micaiah Henry (who figures to somewhat replace Chris Silva on the defensive end), the Gamecocks could capitalize on the weak middle of the conference – especially if Auburn and Tennessee struggle.

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