SEC Basketball power rankings: Alabama rises, Kentucky and Arkansas drops
7-2. . Gamecocks . 11. team. 533.
South Carolina has put together an interesting resume so far, with several good wins but also two rough losses. They are currently 2-0 vs Quadrants 1 and 2 but just 2-2 vs Quad 3.
The two losses came against Princeton on a neutral court and in a 24-pt blowout at Coastal Carolina. SC was without its leading scorer in Jermaine Couisnard (12.1 PPG) in the loss to Coastal Carolina, but it likely would not have changed the outcome given the margin of CCU’s victory.
The Gamecock’s most impressive wins have come over Florida State and a talented UAB team, but they also have noticeable wins over Georgetown and Wofford. They are without a statement win yet, although an upcoming rivalry game at Clemson could give them that opportunity.
In typical Frank Martin fashion, South Carolina is an excellent defensive team that sets the physical tone in most games. They rank in the top 30 nationally in eFG% and 2P% defense and are No. 51 nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency, per KenPom.
Offensive struggles have been apparent, though, ranking No. 174 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency. As mentioned above, Cousinard has been battling an ankle injury and remains day-to-day. His absence has certainly hurt the team’s offensive potential, but national ranks of No. 257 in eFG% and No. 267 in 3P% show much deeper issues than Couisnard’s injury. The team also ranks next to last in the SEC in turnover rate.
South Carolina is not particularly good, but they could pull off an upset or two in league play due to their physicality and defensive effort.