South Carolina Basketball: Thumbs up, thumbs down after USC-Upstate win

Thumbs Up. The shot selection in this game wasn’t perfect (it never is in basketball), but it was really good. The most efficient three shots in basketball in terms of points-per-shot are free throws, open 3-point jumpers, and layups/dunks at the rim. The Gamecocks got plenty of those last night as they scored all 82 of their points from the line, from the lane, or from deep. Shooting over 50% from both the field and behind the arc also shows that most of these looks were relatively open. 82 points was a season-high a season ago, and USC matched that number in just Game 1.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. SHOT SELECTION

SHOOTERS SHOOTING . Thumbs Up. South Carolina has not been a good offensive team in years. Last season, the Gamecocks didn’t have enough talent and were in Year 1 of a new system. Toward the end of the Frank Martin era, there wasn’t enough adaptation to modern offense. Now, the Gamecocks seem poised to take and make the 3, arguably the most important part of scoring in today’s college basketball. The Gamecocks also are playing freer on offense without the antiquated demand for paint touches every possession. However, maybe the most encouraging thing about the modern approach that was seen against USC-Upstate was the willingness to continue shooting good shots, even if the first few didn’t drop. BJ Mack started 1-5 but bounced back to make three big 3-pointers in the pick-and-pop game. Myles Stute and Ta’Lon Cooper each missed their first shot but kept taking good shots, combining to go 5-6 from deep the rest of the way.. . South Carolina Gamecocks

Thumbs Up. The Gamecock starters played well. Meechie Johnson, Ta’Lon Cooper, BJ Mack, and Myles Stute all hit double-figures in scoring, going 17-28 from the field. The bench, though, also played well. Jacobi Wright was a steady offensive presence, adding 9 points and 2 assists while keeping the ball moving. Zach Davis didn’t score a bunch, but he filled up the rest of the stat sheet with 8 rebounds and 3 steals. Josh Gray struggled early but was a force on the boards near the end of the game. Even freshman Morris Ugusuk showed that he has some ability as a future point guard for the Gamecocks, and the early high school graduate has shown no fear on the court so far. If USC is to continue showing that it is an improved team in the 2023-2024 season, the bench must keep contributing.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. BENCH PRODUCTIVITY