South Carolina Basketball: Sindarius Thornwell Misses Practice Due to Illness

South Carolina basketball superstar Sindarius Thornwell missed the team’s first practice in Phoenix due to an undisclosed illness.

South Carolina Assistant Coach Perry Clark informed USA Today Sports that Sindarius Thornwell missed Thursday’s practice due to flu like symptoms. Thornwell led the team in points, rebounds, and steals this season. He was also given the East Regional Most Outstanding Player award after leading the Gamecocks to the Final Four.

The senior guard is leading the entire tournament in points scored. His play has carried the Gamecocks to where they are now. The senior guard’s dominant play has put him into the national spotlight and the media is recognizing his great play.

Thornwell was being given fluids by the team doctor and rested in the hotel all day. Coach Frank Martin said he would rather have Thornwell rest then try to participate in practice. But if any player was to be able to fight through this adversity, it’s Thornwell.

Thornwell has captured the hearts of not only Gamecock fans, but basketball fans across the country. If anybody in the NCAA tournament deserves resounding success it is Thornwell who has battled through adversity his entire college career. Anybody who enjoys great basketball hopes Thornwell will battle through this adversity as well.

South Carolina Gamecocks Basketball

After being an All SEC Freshman Team member, Thornwell struggled his sophomore and junior years. However, this year Thornwell showed how capable he was by dominating the entire year. His play earned him the SEC player of the year honors.

Coach Martin said Thornwell is improving so hopefully he will be at 100% by game time on Saturday.

However, as Thornwell’s illness scares some fans, it reminds me of a one Michael Jordan who once scored 38 points in an NBA Finals game while suffering from the flu. So, we all wish Thornwell a speedy recovery, but potentially a Jordan flu game is pretty cool to think about.