South Carolina Basketball: Ranking the top-12 shooting guards in Gamecock history
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Basketball’s No. 6 Greatest Shooting Guard of All-Time:
Jo Jo English
Stephen “Jo Jo” English (1988-1992) was a star for the Gamecocks in the late ’80s and early ’90s. English famously competed against Michael Jordan in an impromptu dunk competition when the former was still in high school. The reigning NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion reportedly challenged English after the high schooler “talked trash” according to many in attendance. The two would become teammates (English was Jordan’s backup) with the Chicago Bulls five years later.
At Carolina, English averaged over 15 points per game in his final three years as a Gamecock and showcased his tremendous athletic ability with high-flying dunks and a quick first step to the hoop when driving the basketball. He was an adept three-point shooter, as well, averaging 38% from distance his final three years as a Gamecock. English spent three seasons in the NBA before becoming one of the best players in various European and Asian professional leagues.