RE: South Carolina is hard to figure out so far.
Posted on: January 12, 2019 at 22:03:20 CT
wecocky USC
Posts:
2
Member For:
6.17 yrs
Level:
User
M.O.B. Votes:
0
Hi, Gamecock fan here hoping to provide some perspective on our team. I will start by saying that our own fan base is perplexed by this team and pleasantly surprised by its strong start in SEC play. That said, here are a few factors why I would take the current 7-7 record with a grain of salt.
1. Since the Final 4 run, there has been a huge amount of attrition within the program. PJ Dozier left earlier than expected, and numerous players transferred for various reasons (some weren't happy, some weren't a good fit, some had personal issues unrelated to basketball, and others were removed for disciplinary reasons).
2. As a result of the attrition, SC is a very young team. There are numerous freshmen who play key roles on the team. As with any team where freshmen (not named Zion - yes, some of us are still a little bitter about him not coming to USC) are seeing a bulk of playing time, there tends to be growing pains. Frank's defensive scheme is not easy to learn, and it takes time for the newcomers, whether they be freshmen or grad student transfers, to learn the system and to be effective. Over the last 3 games, this team has started to look like a Frank Martin team with regards to its physicality. Early in the season, many on the team just looked lost at times.
3. The non-conference schedule for USC was not an easy one. Given games against Michigan, UVA, and Klempson, the young team was able to learn and grow from each of these experiences. They also had head-scratching losses against the likes of Wyoming and a blow-out against Wofford. This can partly be attributed to point #2.
4. Injuries. There have been numerous injuries to this team already, resulting in folks being shuffled around and asked to play roles which they may not have been ready to play. Reserves were asked to be starters, shooting guards asked to be point guards, 3's asked to play the 4, etc.
All that said, I still have no idea what to expect tomorrow, other than I do believe it will be a competitive and very physical game.