South Carolina Basketball: Ranking the top-15 forwards in Gamecock history
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina Basketball’s No. 8 Greatest Forward of All-Time:
Chuck Eidson
A do-it-all type of small forward, Chuck Eidson (1999-2003) played every position but center during his Gamecock career. As a 3-man, though, he was best able to utilize his versatile skillset. Averaging about 10 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, Eidson was a stat sheet stuffer. In 2002 as a senior, he even recorded the first triple-double in Carolina history.
The lefty had a smooth jumper, and he was capable of making difficult shots look easy. His length allowed him to battle down low with bigger forwards, and he made an All-SEC All-Defensive team due to his ability to get his hands in passing lanes when guarding on the perimeter. That ability led him to set the single-season program steals record his freshman season. That record has since been broken by Devan Downey, but Eidson owns 3 of the top-10 Gamecock steals seasons.
Eidson almost transferred after tearing his ACL and having his coach (Eddie Fogler) dismissed, but he stuck it out and helped lead the Gamecocks to an NIT Championship Game a year after his injury. After going undrafted in the 2003 NBA Draft, Eidson spent a short time in the NBA’s D-League before beginning a highly-decorated professional career across Europe and Asia.