Predictions for the upcoming South Carolina basketball season.
The NCAA has announced that the college basketball season will start at the end of November, with November 25th setting up as the year’s opening weekend. With that said, we’re just over a month away from South Carolina basketball, in what should be an exciting year for Frank Martin and Co.
DI Council approves Nov. 25 start date for men’s and women’s basketball: https://t.co/c1wZ7g8ITU pic.twitter.com/P10GIoFiLH
— NCAA PR (@NCAA_PR) September 16, 2020
The Gamecocks finished last year with 18 wins and looked poised for an appearance in the NIT before the Coronavirus pandemic effectively shut down the basketball season. South Carolina will try to build upon their 2019 campaign as they move forward into 2020.
With the Gamecocks looking to turn the corner in this new basketball season, here are our predictions for team MVP, rookie of the year, sixth man, and most improved player.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – Keyshawn Bryant
The Gamecocks bring a seasoned roster into the new year, and will look to make in impact in a very competitive SEC. The team really needs players to step up and bring some major leadership to the court. The Gamecocks can surprise basketball fans if this MVP candidate plays to his potential.
The trendy pick for most valuable player here would be two-time leading scorer AJ Lawson, but we’re going with the most athletic player on this Gamecock roster. Keyshawn Bryant absolutely balled out last season and racked up quite a few of highlight dunks like the one below.
https://twitter.com/GamecockMBB/status/1235010474380410885
Bryant averaged nearly ten points a game, notched four rebounds and an assist per contest. He brings length to both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, with an ability to block shots, create steals, and excel in fast break opportunities. I see Bryant as a future NBA player and his extreme athletic ability can elevate him above others on this roster.
Bryant may be punishing at the rim but he also has an impressive set of skills in the mid-range. In his junior year, I envision Bryant really leading the Gamecocks, blossoming into the team’s top scorer this upcoming season.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Patrick Iriel
Last year the Gamecocks had a very impressive freshman showing. The freshman averaged about 30 minutes a game between Jalyn McCreary, Trae Hannibal and Wilden Leveque. This season the team brings in two new big men looking to make an impact early in their careers.
https://twitter.com/GamecockMBB/status/1297909948853047296
Patrick Iriel impressed the Gamecock staff with his size and athleticism throughout his high school career. The Columbia native was a three-star recruit, tallying a stat line of 13 points, 12 rebounds, two blocks and two steals per game as a senior.
Iriel stands 7-foot-tall and should help the Gamecocks on the boards. It may be tough to beat out returning bigs Jalyn McCreary and Alanzo Frink, but the Iriel could have his chance to see some early minutes due to his height.