Post by: MakeItRain on October 20, 2015, 05:16:27 PM
Coach: South Carolina finally has depth to make NCAA run
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Fourth-year basketball coach Frank Martin believes he has finally reached a key milestone at South Carolina.
''I don't have to play the guys I get mad at anymore,'' he said. ''We've got enough people.''
Martin said he has depth and a group of upperclassmen, including guards Sindarius Thornwell and Duane Notice and forwards Laimonas Chatkevicius and Michael Carrera, who can take ownership of the program and mentor young players like McDonald's All-American P.J. Dozier.
Martin and the Gamecocks are looking to build off last year's 17-16 mark, South Carolina's first winning record since the 2008-09 team went 21-10.
''They're out there teaching the freshmen. They're out there talking. They're out there helping the next guy,'' Martin said. ''They understand what they're doing which then allows me to be more creative''
The Gamecocks could surely use some creativity. The team won just 14 games in each of Martin's first two years, the first two seasons of his career he finished with losing records. South Carolina looked ready to make a splash last season when it entered Southeastern Conference play at 10-3 and fresh off a victory over then-No. 9 Iowa State.
But the Gamecocks lost 11 of their next 14 games and were filled with problems. Thornwell, an SEC all-freshman a year earlier, played on two bad knees and Martin suspended forwards Demetrius Henry and Shamiek Sheppard were suspended for the rest of the season for violating team rules.
The two later transferred.
Still, South Carolina rebounded to win four of its last six games (including two in the SEC tournament) to ensure a winning mark.
Martin said his newcomers, which include 6-foot-9 forwards Eric Cobb and Chris Silva, are the kind who can compete in the rugged SEC.
Thornwell had injections during the offseason to fight off tendinitis in his knees, which he played with all last year. His numbers showed that. A season after averaging 15.6 points and 4.9 rebounds against SEC opponents, Thornwell had just 10.6 points and 4.2 rebounds this past year. Even worse for the Gamecocks, Thornwell has little of the high-flying spring he showed as a freshman.
The other day, though, Thornwell dunked to the delight of himself, his teammates and coaches.
''I told him, 'I hadn't seen that since the third grade,''' Martin joked.
Thornwell, the 6-5 junior, hopes to show more of that this year.
''Physically, I feel good,'' he said. ''I can walk better, run better, cut better, move better. That was first time dunking since freshman year. It felt going being able to touch the rim again.''
Guard Duane Notice, the team's leading scorer last year at 11.7 points a game, went through a midseason drought last year and coincided with South Carolina's SEC struggles. Martin said Notice has worked to make sure he's prepared for a full season.
It helps to have Dozier, the 6-5 son of former South Carolina player Perry Dozier and sister of Asia Dozier, a starter on the Gamecocks' Final Four women's basketball team. The newest Dozier turned down Louisville, Michigan and North Carolina to stay near home in Columbia.
Martin said Dozier has worked at the point guard spot because he thinks and plays that way.
The biggest impact for South Carolina could be along the front line.
Chatkevicius, Carrera and Mindaugas Kacinas have handled much of the work underneath the past three seasons. Martin believes Cobb and Silva will do their share, despite their youth.
''I think we have too many guys now,'' Chatkevicius said. ''I'm not used to that. Glad to see so many faces here.''
The depth gives Martin hope these Gamecocks can get back to the NCAA Tournament, someplace they have not been since 2004.
Post by: star seed 7 on October 20, 2015, 05:52:26 PM
Post by: Trim on October 20, 2015, 06:34:55 PM
Post by: sys on October 20, 2015, 07:01:04 PM
Post by: MakeItRain on October 20, 2015, 08:56:29 PM
I might meet you in Des Moines ifthey gotwe get slotted there.
Post by: Trim on October 20, 2015, 09:57:09 PM
I might meet you in Des Moines ifthey gotwe get slotted there.
Yeah, it'd be super convenient for you and I'd have a place to crash, but the team deserves more.
Post by: 0.42 on October 20, 2015, 10:38:01 PM
Post by: bones129 on October 21, 2015, 12:21:57 AM
Post by: sonofdaxjones on October 21, 2015, 05:21:37 AM
My USCe contacts say Frank's job likely rides on being substantially better this year.
Post by: MakeItRain on October 21, 2015, 10:41:12 AM
Despite having a better record overall last year, they still played some of the ugliest bball I've ever seen.
My USCe contacts say Frank's job likely rides on being substantially better this year.
My USCe contacts say "MARCH MADNESS BABY!!!"
Post by: _33 on October 21, 2015, 11:01:23 AM
Post by: sonofdaxjones on October 21, 2015, 11:17:09 AM
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on October 21, 2015, 11:24:19 AM
Post by: TownieCat on October 21, 2015, 12:02:16 PM
What will be Frank's options if he doesn't succeed this year? <--------- Serious questionJoins Brad's staff wherever he ends up next year.
Post by: star seed 7 on October 21, 2015, 12:12:25 PM
Post by: Winters on October 21, 2015, 12:21:06 PM
Post by: star seed 7 on October 21, 2015, 12:22:22 PM
Hopefully you Frankites will have something, but already working on some "miss me yet" Undies to Frank meme's, seems appropriate since Undies struck out on his own, Frank's offense has been a complete crapfest.
Also this sentence is tbt 6 kraken's deep level hard to decipher
Post by: sonofdaxjones on October 21, 2015, 12:54:31 PM
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on October 21, 2015, 01:00:15 PM
Here's a sitch. We fire weber, hire Brad, Frank gets fired, and Brad asks him to come along. Do you think Frank would have the balls to do it?What will be Frank's options if he doesn't succeed this year? <--------- Serious questionJoins Brad's staff wherever he ends up next year.
Post by: kso_FAN on October 21, 2015, 01:03:11 PM
Good for him because I like and respect him as a coach, but I won't be actively cheering for South Carolina. My team is K-State, even in the situation we've put ourselves in for basketball.
Post by: TownieCat on October 21, 2015, 01:55:08 PM
That said, the SEC is usually only a 4 bid conference. They will have to win 10+ league games to have a shot at the NCAA torn a ment.
Post by: MakeItRain on October 21, 2015, 03:45:59 PM
Frank will be fine this year and the near future. I think he makes the NIT at minimum and South Carolina will be happy with the progress he's made expecting an NCAA team the next year.
Good for him because I like and respect him as a coach, but I won't be actively cheering for South Carolina. My team is K-State, even in the situation we've put ourselves in for basketball.
Your loss, bro.
Post by: HugeCat on October 21, 2015, 03:47:46 PM
Post by: MakeItRain on October 21, 2015, 07:23:11 PM
ERIC COBB?!? :ROFL:
Because mixed nuts is the only person who posts recruiting news and he's definitely in the pocket of big horrible coach, I don't think it was ever posted that Cobb decommitted from K-State to play for our South Carolina Gamecocks.
Post by: wetwillie on October 21, 2015, 07:32:53 PM
Post by: wetwillie on October 21, 2015, 08:06:34 PM
kentucky, vandy, LSU are in top 25 I have no idea who else has a chance. Seems like they are poised to get close anyway.
Auburn :dunno:
I forgot about Florida and Georgia and Aggie. They got picked 7th in the media pre season poll so there is that.
Post by: CNS on October 21, 2015, 08:14:22 PM
ERIC COBB?!? :ROFL:
Because mixed nuts is the only person who posts recruiting news and he's definitely in the pocket of big horrible coach, I don't think it was ever posted that Cobb decommitted from K-State to play for our South Carolina Gamecocks.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on October 21, 2015, 10:36:34 PM
Post by: Asteriskhead on October 21, 2015, 10:39:04 PM
Post by: Trim on October 21, 2015, 11:50:31 PM
I might be headed to Columbia for a game this year.
Columbia's fun in the right doses. I'm still shooting for a Miami game in January.
Post by: MakeItRain on October 22, 2015, 12:25:14 AM
To be fair, Cobb committed way early and no one heard from his trash ass for quite some time. Shitty offer list anyways and no updates from recruiting gurus on how he did in his last season. He could be the next (insert euro player that followed frank to SC, from K-State committ, that sucks ass now with him -------here). Was his nickname moose?
Yeah, you're probably right. That scholarship is much better used by a senior walkon with 6 career points, 15 fouls, and 5 turnovers in 43 games.
Post by: 420seriouscat69 on October 22, 2015, 08:09:59 AM
Post by: sys on October 22, 2015, 09:33:25 AM
Post by: MakeItRain on October 22, 2015, 10:47:25 AM
I mean, they ended up filling his verbal.
http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article25375237.html
Oh yeah, Hollywoods. The guy they started recruiting after Cobb decommitted and they gave the scholarship to Vulture. I actually had to look up who the hell Hollywoods was. His recruitment the first time around landed him two offers from Cal St. Fullerton and Utah State, and his recruitment the second time around landed him one offer from K-State. I can definitely see why K-State fans would look down their noses at South Carolina fans for signing Cobb. Good point, my bad.
Post by: kso_FAN on October 22, 2015, 10:53:16 AM
I mean, they ended up filling his verbal.
http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article25375237.html
Oh yeah, Hollywoods. The guy they started recruiting after Cobb decommitted and they gave the scholarship to Vulture. I actually had to look up who the hell Hollywoods was. His recruitment the first time around landed him two offers from Cal St. Fullerton and Utah State, and his recruitment the second time around landed him one offer from K-State. I can definitely see why K-State fans would look down their noses at South Carolina fans for signing Cobb. Good point, my bad.
I mean, we have a more athletic version of Reggie Miller that fits right in with oscar's uptempo style? What's not to love here? :bball:
Quote
People compare me to a Reggie Miller-type player with athleticism, I can defend guards at the one, the two and the three. I have even defended the four man before, because of my wingspan. When I was younger and played AAU I played the four and used footwork and things like that to defend taller guys. I don’t have a problem helping my team in those ways. I am just a winner. I will do anything to help my team win.
How could I say no? I feel like I will fit in pretty well. Coach Weber’s style is up tempo and I like that. That is where my game is at its best. I strive on up-tempo systems. I love the way his system is, how they defend and press and how hyped they are. That is what made me fall in love with K-State basketball.
Post by: Winters on October 22, 2015, 11:27:09 AM
It was like three weeks ago when I found out we had a guy named "Hollywoods" on the team. I heard the name and immediately thought of Josh Freemaw's dad.I mean, they ended up filling his verbal.
http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article25375237.html
Oh yeah, Hollywoods. The guy they started recruiting after Cobb decommitted and they gave the scholarship to Vulture. I actually had to look up who the hell Hollywoods was. His recruitment the first time around landed him two offers from Cal St. Fullerton and Utah State, and his recruitment the second time around landed him one offer from K-State. I can definitely see why K-State fans would look down their noses at South Carolina fans for signing Cobb. Good point, my bad.
Post by: Trim on October 22, 2015, 12:02:42 PM
It was like three weeks ago when I found out we had a guy named "Hollywoods" on the team. I heard the name and immediately thought of Josh Freemaw's dad.I mean, they ended up filling his verbal.
http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article25375237.html
Oh yeah, Hollywoods. The guy they started recruiting after Cobb decommitted and they gave the scholarship to Vulture. I actually had to look up who the hell Hollywoods was. His recruitment the first time around landed him two offers from Cal St. Fullerton and Utah State, and his recruitment the second time around landed him one offer from K-State. I can definitely see why K-State fans would look down their noses at South Carolina fans for signing Cobb. Good point, my bad.
I found out from MIR's post that we now have "Hollywoods" and immediately thought it was Josh's dad and this was some sort of resolution of that whole thing.
Remember when Ron and Queso's dad were the "big 12 football experts" on those janky fox sports preview shows?
Post by: MakeItRain on October 22, 2015, 12:21:38 PM
It was like three weeks ago when I found out we had a guy named "Hollywoods" on the team. I heard the name and immediately thought of Josh Freemaw's dad.I mean, they ended up filling his verbal.
http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article25375237.html
Oh yeah, Hollywoods. The guy they started recruiting after Cobb decommitted and they gave the scholarship to Vulture. I actually had to look up who the hell Hollywoods was. His recruitment the first time around landed him two offers from Cal St. Fullerton and Utah State, and his recruitment the second time around landed him one offer from K-State. I can definitely see why K-State fans would look down their noses at South Carolina fans for signing Cobb. Good point, my bad.
I found out from MIR's post that we now have "Hollywoods" and immediately thought it was Josh's dad and this was some sort of resolution of that whole thing.
Remember when Ron and Queso's dad were the "big 12 football experts" on those janky fox sports preview shows?
Yes, they were awesome :love:
Post by: Winters on October 22, 2015, 12:34:36 PM
They would always pick the 'cats to win the north :cool:It was like three weeks ago when I found out we had a guy named "Hollywoods" on the team. I heard the name and immediately thought of Josh Freemaw's dad.I mean, they ended up filling his verbal.
http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article25375237.html
Oh yeah, Hollywoods. The guy they started recruiting after Cobb decommitted and they gave the scholarship to Vulture. I actually had to look up who the hell Hollywoods was. His recruitment the first time around landed him two offers from Cal St. Fullerton and Utah State, and his recruitment the second time around landed him one offer from K-State. I can definitely see why K-State fans would look down their noses at South Carolina fans for signing Cobb. Good point, my bad.
I found out from MIR's post that we now have "Hollywoods" and immediately thought it was Josh's dad and this was some sort of resolution of that whole thing.
Remember when Ron and Queso's dad were the "big 12 football experts" on those janky fox sports preview shows?
Post by: The Whale on October 22, 2015, 01:51:00 PM
QuoteHow could I say no? I feel like I will fit in pretty well. Coach Weber’s style is up tempo and I like that. That is where my game is at its best. I strive on up-tempo systems. I love the way his system is, how they defend and press and how hyped they are. That is what made me fall in love with K-State basketball.
He's going to be so disappointed when he realizes he was watching the wrong team.
Post by: Winters on October 22, 2015, 02:21:41 PM
He had to have been watching the complete 180 of #SaveCatHoopsQuoteHow could I say no? I feel like I will fit in pretty well. Coach Weber’s style is up tempo and I like that. That is where my game is at its best. I strive on up-tempo systems. I love the way his system is, how they defend and press and how hyped they are. That is what made me fall in love with K-State basketball.
He's going to be so disappointed when he realizes he was watching the wrong team.
Post by: sys on October 22, 2015, 02:26:15 PM
I found out from MIR's post that we now have "Hollywoods".
i'm not going to fully believe it until i see him in a game or on an official roster. i'm not sure if i'll still have found out in this thread or if i won't technically have found out until december or whenever.
Post by: Tobias on October 22, 2015, 02:52:46 PM
Post by: sys on October 22, 2015, 02:58:45 PM
he's "hollywoods" on the latest official roster
someone needs to pin that roster where it can be seen.
Post by: Trim on October 22, 2015, 04:03:36 PM
he's "hollywoods" on the latest official roster
someone needs to pin that roster where it can be seen.
I need one that has government names as well as reno names.
Post by: pvegs on October 22, 2015, 07:14:20 PM
I mean, they ended up filling his verbal.
http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/big-12/kansas-state/article25375237.html
Oh yeah, Hollywoods. The guy they started recruiting after Cobb decommitted and they gave the scholarship to Vulture. I actually had to look up who the hell Hollywoods was. His recruitment the first time around landed him two offers from Cal St. Fullerton and Utah State, and his recruitment the second time around landed him one offer from K-State. I can definitely see why K-State fans would look down their noses at South Carolina fans for signing Cobb. Good point, my bad.
I mean, we have a more athletic version of Reggie Miller that fits right in with oscar's uptempo style? What's not to love here? :bball:QuotePeople compare me to a Reggie Miller-type player with athleticism, I can defend guards at the one, the two and the three. I have even defended the four man before, because of my wingspan. When I was younger and played AAU I played the four and used footwork and things like that to defend taller guys. I don’t have a problem helping my team in those ways. I am just a winner. I will do anything to help my team win.
How could I say no? I feel like I will fit in pretty well. Coach Weber’s style is up tempo and I like that. That is where my game is at its best. I strive on up-tempo systems. I love the way his system is, how they defend and press and how hyped they are. That is what made me fall in love with K-State basketball.
i love that ron has never watched a k-state bball game and may not have even known who oscar weber was until he got to campus