2007 South Carolina Gamecocks Basketball Preview

Last season, the South Carolina Gamecocks (14- 16 overall, 4- 12 SEC) certainly fell on hard times as they dipped below 20 wins for the first time in three years. Finishing sixth in the SEC East, the Gamecocks found themselves out of the NCAA bracket and the NIT. Coach Dave Odom (114- 86 in six year with South Carolina, 392- 260 overall in 21 years) sees one senior return and two starters come back. The team is primarily composed of sophomores and freshmen.

Finishing 12th in scoring (64.7 PPG), rebounding margin (minus-4.2) and assists (11.2 APG), the Gamecocks have a clear indication of where they need to improve. The best thing the team had going for it last season was the fact that it finished first in the SEC and eighth in the nation in turnovers per game with only 11.2. South Carolina was the least accurate team from the field, shooting only 42.2%.

Sophomore power forward Dominique Archie (8.8 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 54.4 FG%), who started every game last season as a freshman, is back. Archie, who’s the club’s returning scorer and rebounder, ably bangs inside, commanding the respect of opponents. In his first season, forward Chad Gray (2.4 PPG, 1.1 APG, 43.3 FG%) saw limited action due to injury. He’s healthy, improved and looks to be a major factor and a player to look at when you bet on college games. Freshman Michael Holmes will use his big body inside. Additionally, frosh forward Sam Muldrow has pure shot blocking potential.

The Gamecocks’ backcourt will feature two transfers—point man Devan Downey and combo guard Zam Fredrick. Downey, a true point guard, also possesses fine scoring potential, while Fredrick will use his accurate eye from the shooting position. Both guys can run the floor, creating quick points and drive the college basketball betting odds.

Don’t expect the South Carolina Gamecocks to see any post-season action this year. It’s been two years since the club has any March Madness coverage, and they have a long way to go before they go to the Big Dance again. If the Gamecocks can win 20 games, that will be a major accomplishment. Coach Odom says that this freshman class will be the best in years. If that’s the case, then South Carolina may surprise the entire conference.