Connect with us

South-Carolina

What Lamont Paris said after South Carolina's season-opening loss to North Florida

Published

on

What Lamont Paris said after South Carolina's season-opening loss to North Florida


Following a 74-71 loss to North Florida in the season opener, South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris spoke to the media about his team’s performance and where things went wrong. Here’s what he had to say.

— Sure the metrics are really going to like this outcome as far as the Gamecocks are concerned. Helpfully this will be good for them. Thinks they were outplayed in a lot of different ways. It’s okay not to play well. Thats going to happen at times. But as competitors, North Florida dominated them.

— Knew North Florida was a scrappy bunch. Their DNA is how hard they play and compete. Every loose ball, they were their first. That’s DNA.

— If he’s being honest, last night had him really worried about what to expect from North Florida. They did all the right things. Multiple guys didn’t have a good day at the office.

Advertisement

— Some guys shoot better free throws than others. Others can improve over time. It’s a one-game sample size. They’re not going to shoot like they did today all the time. When your name gets called at the free throw line, stand up. You have to go up there and make them. They had some lack of discipline plays also. It was his dream going all season without fouling on a three-point shot and they only made it into game one before doing that.

— It’s hard to coach effort. Not a big fan of coaching effort. They approach the game the same way regardless of who they play. Maybe part of it was hyping them up too much for this game.

— They have to play better. They have to pass and catch better. You do a scouting report. They don’t just go out to the court and go willy nilly. They watch film, do a scouting report on the opponent. Thinks it’s about the attention to detail. Interested to see how many of the offensive rebounds were long rebounds. They got off to a slow start and the energy was not great. Knows the vibe when it’s like okay here we are. Didn’t feel like they felt that throughout the game.

— Agrees that the sky is not falling. It’s history. They could’ve also won the game. The metrics still didn’t like them last year when they lost one game in non-conference play. They’ve just got to play. Focus on improvement. This helps force you to look at the loss and why the game ended up in a situation that it was.

— They’ll troubleshoot all the time when in reference to a question about playing time. Guys will have to earn what they’re doing out there. The prized possession is playing in the final minutes. They’ll have to show and demonstrate where that’s where they should be. They’ll try to find the perfect mix of what the lineup is.

Advertisement

— Definitely earned exactly what they got today. They got what they earned ultimately on the way they played.

— Thinks they’ll go back to fundamentals. Doesn’t have a lot of frustration in games because guys normally do what they have done. Doesnt really get that frustrated with poor play on game day. But does get frustrated having to repeat himself over and over. These things he says, you need evidence that they are true sometimes. So that’s what where they’ll start (fouling on the three-point shot). Would like to have those points back. Pump faking. They did it twice jumping on those. They easily could’ve flipped those around by the way they practiced and what they talked about going into this game.

— A strength of last year’s team was locking into the small details that allowed them to win games. The challenge will be helping acknowledge the value of those things and how they relate to winning. Has to do a better job of that on his end.



Source link

Advertisement

South-Carolina

JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo, South Carolina highlight women’s games to watch this week

Published

on

JuJu Watkins, Hannah Hidalgo, South Carolina highlight women’s games to watch this week


play

Technically, Feast Week is still three days away, but given some of the star-powered matchups this week in women’s college hoops, those who are craving good basketball are going to get their fill — and then some. 

Advertisement

The two biggest games of the week are both taking place in L.A., more proof that Hollywood really does attract the biggest and best stars. While USC-Notre Dame and UCLA-South Carolina will command plenty of attention, don’t discount some of the unranked and/or mid-major schools listed below. November is a great time to get familiar with non-brand names that could make a run come March. 

And with that, here are five women’s college games to watch this week. 

Belmont at No. 14 Duke

Thursday, 7 p.m. on ACC Network

Don’t be fooled by Belmont’s 2-2 record — the Bruins took No. 11 Ohio State to the wire last week, and Bart Brooks is one of the best coaches in the country, period. Belmont boasts a balanced scoring attack, with five players averaging 8.0 points or more, but in order to pull an upset in historic Cameron Indoor Stadium, they’re going to need Kendall Holmes (12.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg) and Emily La Chapell (11.5 ppg, 3.0 apg) to step up. Duke, which also has a balanced attack, won’t make it easy, especially if Ashlon Jackson (13.2 ppg, 40% 3FG) and Reigan Richardson (11.4 ppg, 41.2% 3FG) are hitting from outside. 

No. 9 Oklahoma at UNLV

Friday, 3:30 ET on Mountain West Network 

Advertisement

This could be interesting. UNLV has ruled the Mountain West for a few years, and is often ranked at the end of the regular season. But the Rebels have yet to make major noise in the NCAA tournament, even though they’re often a popular upset pick. Could a win at home over a top 10 team help build the confidence they need to do some damage in March? To upset the Sooners they’ll have to figure out how to handle junior center Raegan Beers (21.2 ppg, 11.8 rpg), arguably the top transfer in the country. 

Harvard at Northwestern 

Saturday, 1 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network+

Harvard’s already picked up one win against a Big Ten team, knocking off then-ranked Indiana in Bloomington in the second game of the season. And given that the Crimson feature one of the best players in the country you haven’t heard of — senior guard Harmoni Turner is averaging 23.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and shooting 45.1% from the field — the chances of notching another big road win look good. 

No. 5 Notre Dame at No. 3 USC 

Saturday, 4 p.m. ET on NBC/Peacock

Advertisement

The two best sophomores in the country, USC’s JuJu Watkins and Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo take centerstage in a game that could very well break scoring records based on how much these two guards love to push pace. Watkins (21.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 4.8 spg) is pro-ready in just her second year of college hoops and Hidalgo (25.0 ppg, 5.2 spg) is maybe the best on-ball defender in the country, a pest who knows how to steal the ball and turn it into points on the other end. But these two are hardly one-woman shows. USC got a gem out of the transfer portal in Kiki Iriafen (17.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg) and the Irish’s other star guard, Olivia Miles (18.3 ppg, 6.8), is healthy after missing last season. You’re going to want popcorn handy when you tune into this game. 

No. 1 South Carolina at No. 6 UCLA

Sunday, 4 p.m. ET on FS1

UCLA junior center Lauren Betts (21.5 ppg, 11.5 rpg) is an early favorite to contend for national player of the year honors. One thing that would help make a case for her: a stellar performance against the defending champs. That’s a tall task though, even for the 6-foot-7 Betts. She’ll be going up against Gamecocks like Joyce Edwards (10.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), a freshman who plays like a veteran, and Ashlyn Watkins (5.7 ppg, 1.3 bpg), who proved last year she’s one of the best defenders in the country. Will UCLA and Betts be able to slow Chloe Kitts (17.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg) and Te-Hina Paopao (13.5 ppg, 44% 3FG)? They’ll have to in order to beat South Carolina. A big game from transfer Timea Gardiner (14.5 ppg, 57.7% 3FG) would also help. 

USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll: Defending national champions remain at No. 1

Advertisement

Email Lindsay Schnell at lschnell@usatoday.com and follow her on social media @Lindsay_Schnell





Source link

Continue Reading

South-Carolina

Updated NFL Draft projections for South Carolina football standouts

Published

on

Updated NFL Draft projections for South Carolina football standouts


The South Carolina football record for single-year NFL Draft selections in the modern era is seven. Both the 2009 draft and 2013 draft saw seven Gamecocks selected. (Back in 1954, nine USC alums went in a much longer draft.)

The 2025 NFL Draft could challenge those numbers.

The Gamecocks will be well-represented in April’s draft, especially on defense. You can check out some recent draft projections below. (The only underclassmen included are TJ Sanders and Nick Emmanwori because of their expected early-round selections.)

[GamecockCentral: $1 for 7 days and 50% off first year]

Advertisement

TJ Sanders

The player most consistently mocked in the 1st round among the draft-eligible Gamecocks is big TJ Sanders. The athletic defensive tackle has gotten top-30 love from CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso and Mike Renner. Other outlets predict a 2nd or 3rd-round selection, but Sanders appears to be a lock in the top 100.

Nick Emmanwori

Nick Emmanwori has been one of several standouts on this year’s defense at South Carolina. Because of that, the talented safety has become one of the top players at his position in the 2025 draft. Some even consider him this cycle’s best overall safety. Emmanwori is big, fast, and great on the back end. CBS’ Ryan Wilson views the freaky athlete as a 1st-rounder. Most outlets seem to position him in the 2nd round.

Kyle Kennard

Advertisement

Coming into 2024 as a late-round guy, Kyle Kennard has played himself into a new future. Now, following an All-American showing this fall, he has been mocked as high as the late 1st round but seems settled into somewhere in the top 100 according to most sources. That is exactly where The Draft Network’s Keith Sanchez projects Kennard. Sanchez calls him a “Day 2” pick, meaning he believes Kennard will go in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Rocket Sanders

Running backs aren’t nearly as highly coveted in the draft as they used to be, but Rocket Sanders is among the names garnering consideration. The 33rd Team’s Kyle Crabbs projects Sanders to be a 5th-round pick. That also tracks with other NFL Draft big boards and mocks. Most outlets seem to think Sanders will be off the board between the fourth and seventh rounds.

DeAndre Jules

An under-the-radar Gamecock in draft circles in DeAndre Jules. The big defensive tackle has missed some time this fall, but the NFL is still intrigued by the big fella. Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell projects Jules to go in the 3rd or 4th round in April. That is higher than most other mocks, though. When Jules is included on other NFL Draft boards, it is as a potential late-round pick.

Advertisement

Josh Simon

As part of a strong season, Josh Simon tied USC’s single-season touchdown record for tight ends (6) against Missouri. Because of his production, the NFL is taking notice. AtoZSports NFL Draft analyst Ryan Roberts called Simon “a better pro than college player,” which is significant because he’s a really good college tight end. NFL Draft pundits are late to the party, but he’s starting to get late-round buzz as a possible 5th-round to 7th-round selection. The offseason should be kind to Simon’s draft stock.

O’Donnell Fortune

O’Donnell Fortune could be the next South Carolina cornerback to make his way into the draft. In fact, earlier this fall, NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline gave the Palmetto State native a 6th-round grade. Several other outlets have followed suit recently. Fortune has had a strong senior season in Columbia and should find himself in professional football next year, whether via draft selection or free agent contract. He is a “stock up” candidate.

Demetrius Knight

Advertisement

Demetrius Knight is an NFL linebacker. Because he didn’t play until last year (with Charlotte) and has just one season in the SEC, his stock isn’t high. As things stand, Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell lists Knight as a 6th or 7th-round pick. However, Knight’s size and speed should see him be an offseason riser. His physical testing numbers and pop on film should impress scouts.

Tonka Hemingway

Heading into the season, Tonka Hemingway was viewed as a potential major riser for the 2025 NFL Draft. With other players also stepping up around the country at the position, a solid year for Hemingway hasn’t seen that draft stock bump come to fruition. Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell calls Hemingway a 6th or 7th-round pick.

[Win two tickets to the South Carolina-Wofford football game]

Other Late-Round/Undrafted Free Agent Hopefuls

*The players listed below have received 7th-round or undrafted free agent grades from various outlets*

Advertisement

LB Debo Williams
G/C Torricelli Simpkins
C/G Vershon Lee
LB Bam Martin-Scott
DT Boogie Huntley
WR Gage Larvadain
P Kai Kroeger
LS Hunter Rogers



Source link

Continue Reading

South-Carolina

Gamecocks Welcome Mercer Thursday Night

Published

on

Gamecocks Welcome Mercer Thursday Night


­COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina (2-2) returns home for a Thursday night matchup with Mercer (2-2) at Colonial Life Arena. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. (ET) with Dave Weinstein (pxp) and John Williams (analyst) on the call for the SEC Network+ broadcast.

It’ll be the seventh all-time meeting between the Gamecocks and Bears and first since Dec. 30, 2001, in Dave Odom’s inaugural season as head coach at South Carolina.

The contest will be an unbracketed game part of the Fort Myers Tip-Off, which takes place next week at Suncoast Credit Union Arena Nov. 25 and 27.

Road closures for the annual Vista Lights on Nov. 21 will affect traffic for the campus community and fans heading to the men’s basketball game at 7 p.m. against Mercer.

Advertisement

Starting around 5 p.m., the city of Columbia will close the following streets:

  • Gervais Street from Gadsden to Assembly streets
  • Lincoln Street from Senate to Lady streets
  • Park Street from Senate to Lady streets

Members of the university community are advised to find alternate routes home from campus or to Colonial Life Arena.

Season tickets remain available and more information can be found here. Single-game tickets are now available as well and can be purchased here.

GAME INFORMATION

TIME: 7 p.m. (ET) with doors opening at 6 p.m.

VENUE: Colonial Life Arena

Advertisement

TV: SEC Network+

PLAY-BY-PLAY: Dave Weinstein

ANALYST: John Williams

RADIO: Gamecock Radio Network  

IN COLUMBIA: 107.5 The Game

Advertisement

  PLAY-BY-PLAY: Derek Scott

  ANALYST: Casey Manning

SIRIUSXM: 385 | SXM APP: 975

WATCH: ESPN.com/watch/

LIVE STATS: GamecocksOnline.com

Advertisement

SERIES: SC leads, 4-2

in COLUMBIA: SC leads, 4-2

SERIES TREND: SC has won three-in-a-row dating back to Jan. 2, 1993, a 68-66 victory.

LAST MEETING: Dec. 30, 2001 in the non-conference finale of Dave Odom’s first season ; Gamecocks won 88-52 in what would be the final season of Frank McGuire Arena.

UP NEXT

Advertisement

The Gamecocks head south for a two-game MTE in the program’s debut at the Fort Myers Tip-Off. Carolina opens vs. Xavier (4-0) on Monday. Tip is 8:30 p.m. (ET) on FS1 with Jeff Levering (pxp) and Donny Marshall (analyst) on the call. The team will face ei­ther Virginia Tech or Michigan Wednesday night at Suncoast Credit Union Arena.

###





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending