"Like getting a root canal without novocaine": What has been said about South Carolina basketball crushing Kentucky
By Kevin Miller
On Tuesday night, Lamont Paris' South Carolina basketball squad dominated the Kentucky Wildcats and made it abundantly clear to the college basketball world that the South Carolina Gamecocks are real players in the 2023-2024 season.
USC cruised to a 79-62 win at Colonial Life Arena, and the impressive upset has the Gamecocks now siting at 16-3 and 4-2 in the SEC with a long list of quality wins.
Because of recent history and an average-at-best strength of schedule in out-of-conference play, many have doubted Carolina this season, believing that the 12-1 start to the year was not sustainable for the garnet and black.
With back-to-black blowout wins on the road against the Arkansas Razorbacks and at home against the 6th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats, South Carolina basketball is shifting the narrative around their team.
Some prominent national voices have been showering the CourtCocks with praise.
"The ceiling could be higher than we think for South Carolina. ... If you look at the way South Carolina executes, [Lamont Paris] is building a Wisconsin-style program in the SEC."
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) January 24, 2024
—@JonRothstein on @GamecockMBB pic.twitter.com/bQlsLyL6Qf
Celebration time for Gamecock fans as they dominate Kentucky pic.twitter.com/zI5ejR3XHp
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) January 24, 2024
Even the losing head coach couldn't stop saying nice things about Lamont Paris and his team.
John Calipari with some big statements about Lamont Paris and what he's doing with @GamecockMBB:
— Matt Dowell (@MattDowellTV) January 24, 2024
"He's got guys bought into how they're gonna play... They're the best defensive team in our league."@wachfox pic.twitter.com/pM9bpqNFln
The South Carolina basketball players understandbly were excited after the win, as well.
YESSUHHH WE APPRECIATE EVERYONE THAT CAME AND SUPPORTED LETS KEEP IT GOING PACK THE CLA‼️‼️‼️‼️ BEST FANS IN THE COUNTRY STAMPED‼️‼️‼️‼️
— BJ Mack (@thebjmack33) January 24, 2024
Josh Gray on his performance in the win over Kentucky ⬇️ #Gamecocks pic.twitter.com/bNPeFXAhS6
— 107.5 The Game (@1075thegame) January 24, 2024
Even a couple of Gamecock basketball legends were on hand for the history-making victory.
Perfect birthday yesterday spending it in my second home with my gamecock family, just want to extend an appreciation for everything last night. Big win for @GamecockMBB and letting this young man here witness it. Will see you all soon. Let’s take the QZIP into March. 🐔❤️🖤🤙🏽 FL pic.twitter.com/7CLBs3P24o
— Trè Kelley (@TreKel1ey) January 24, 2024
between these girls, Dawn + AB, and Shane + Hunter sitting courtside, and Devan Downey and Tre Kelley in the house… this really is a family FL. I am so proud to be a Gamecock. USC is such a special place ♥️♥️♥️🤙 #forevertothee https://t.co/fqSy8lIwc1
— Drinking BudLight w Garth Brooks & Charles Barkley (@Are522758366150) January 24, 2024
The celebrations are well-deserved and good for a day or two. However, the Gamecocks have more work to do. With 12 more games in the SEC schedule remaining, USC still needs to finish strong to secure their first NCAA Tournament berth since the 2016-2017 Final Four run.
The chances of a real postseason for South Carolina basketball seem pretty good as an elite defense and veteran players who can knock down shots is a recipe for success in the SEC. It doesn't hurt having the leading candidate for National Coach of the Year on your side, either, as Lamont Paris has done a tremendous job in year 2 on the job in Columbia.
The Gamecocks will take on the Missouri Tigers at home on Saturday at 1:00 on the SECNetwork.
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