The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
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n a v e D y e n Dow
Senior guard looks to lead USC to NCAA Tournament for first time since 2004 Ryan Velasquez
THE DAILY GAMECOCK
Taking a look at the South Carolina men’s basketball team, a number of things will be essential to another strong season. None of these things, however, is as essential as the continued success of Devan Downey. Coming off a dominant performance during the 2008-2009 campaign, the senior point guard is in position to make this year one of the best in Carolina history. With a deep roster behind him, the sky is truly the limit for the preseason Naismith Award candidate. “Ever ybody ’s excited for the season to start,” Dow ney s a i d . “ T h e football t e a m’s doi ng wel l so t hat’s only going to help us keep these fans excited.” After getting off to an impressive start last season, Carolina lost three of their last four conference games, falling just short of an invitation to the NCAA Tournament. Now, all eyes will be on Downey to see how he and the rest of the team deal with the highs and lows of last year. “Last year’s success is definitely motivating, but we don’t want to be that team that people say, ‘you came so close last year so you’re going to be so good this year,’ and
buy into that and end up having a disappointing season,” Downey said. “As far as motivation, we’re just using the way we finished last year and the things we’ve corrected as motivation to finish throughout this year.” This year’s team will face a number of potential obstacles, including a deeper conference and the task of replacing two graduated players. Overcoming obstacles, however, has proven to be a specialty for Downey. “One of the things I love about Devan Downey is that he loves challenges,” coach Darrin Horn said. “Nobody works harder than he does and I think that’s one of the things in addition to his talent that truly makes him special.” As one of five seniors on this year’s roster, Downey will be expected to continue his role as the team leader and captain. “I need to do more as a leader this year because we’ve got some freshmen that we’re counting on,” Downey said. “I’ve got to do my best job to lead them and get those guys ready to play.” In the process of helping them get up to speed, Downey has made a major impression on Carolina’s rookies. “Playing alongside Devan has helped me out a lot,” freshman point guard Ramon Galloway said. “He’s an AllAmerican point guard and I’m a point guard myself. He’s so quick and fast and has really helped me on both offense and defense.” “Playing with him has really helped me improve,” freshman forward Lakeem Jackson said. “Little mistakes I’ve made, he’s corrected me and just helped me get better.” As a junior, Downey certainly did his part to put Carolina on people’s minds. Averaging 19.8 points per game, 4.4 assists per game and 2.9 steals per game, he earned First-Team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive Team honors and was also an Honorable Mention All-American. Despite that impressive resume, however, Downey will need to continue getting better if the Gamecocks are to hold their own in a much-improved SEC. “I want to improve more on the little things — little things that help our de-
fense, being ready to shoot, things like that,” Downey said. “Talking to coach Horn, we both agreed that if I focus on the little things that people who watch the game may not see or think matter, I’ll take my game to a new level.” Receiv ing as much attent ion as Downey has would lead many to focus more on their individual game. In this case, however, it’s proven to have the opposite effect. “The one thing that’s great about coaching Devan is that I don’t ever feel like when he’s making a play that maybe wasn’t the best one to make at the time, that he’s doing it out of selfish motivation,” Horn said. “It’s always because he believes he can help us win.” As Horn enters his second year at the helm, a major strength for Downey and the rest of the team will be a sense of continuity. “This year, the one big change is that instead of everything being new, we are tuning everything up, getting better, coming together as a team, understanding the system and reading each other,” Downey said. “We know what coach Horn expects of us and we know more about him. He’s an up-tempo and high-energy kind of guy and that helps motivate us as a team every practice.” With the departure of the graduated Zam Fredrick, Downey will be joined in the backcourt by fellow senior Brandis Raley-Ross , whom he has played alongside for two years now. “I’m anxious to get started. I can’t wait,” Raley-Ross said. “We’ve been working out together and playing together all summer and just strengthening our chemistry on the court. I’m very excited to play with him this year.” As the preseason accolades continue to roll in, don’t expect Downey to be distracted from the task at hand, because one would be hard-pressed to find a player hungrier than the Chester native. “Whatever Coach wants me to do I’ll do it,” Downey said. “I’ll play center if he wants me to. Whatever it takes to get this team to the next level.”
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The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
USC makes splash with signing of nation’s No. 2 overall recruit James Kratch
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Kelsey Bone could’ve gone anywhere in America. The No. 2-rated prospect in the nation out of Dulles High School in Sugar Land, Texas, Bone had virtually every premier program in the nation recruiting her. UCon n was interested, as was Tennessee. Texas A&M and Texas made hard sells as well. Yet Bone chose South Carolina, and in the process may have changed women’s basketball in Columbia forever. “It gives instant credibility to what we’re trying to do. I think you get people who are willing to not go to a school that doesn’t have a great tradition at the moment,” USC coach Dawn Staley said of signing Bone. “It gives us an opportunity and it opens the door for other schools that are trying to do the same things we’re trying to do: trying to build a tradition and compete for championships.” The USC program has nowhere near the histor y and tradition of many of the schools that recruited Bone heavily. Nevertheless, Bone chose the Gamecocks not because of what they have done, but what she thinks can be done. “I like the way the University is trying to [build] the women’s basketball program. I like the direction. It was an easy decision for me,” Bone said. “Part of the reason it took me so long to sign was I had the opportunity to stay home where the tradition for women’s basketball is prett y deep, or to go somewhere and have a chance to jumpstart a program. For me, it’s pretty neat to have the opportunity.” The expectations of Bone transforming USC on the court aren’t just being discussed locally. “She’s a program changer,” ESPN
analyst Nancy Lieberman said earlier this year. Most coaches would be hesitant to have so much pressure on a true freshman. Not Staley. “I think she’s mature enough to handle it. She got in high school,” Staley said. “There are going to be times when she’s going to look like a senior, there are going to be times where she looks like a high school player. We just have to be patient with her until she matures into who we think she’ll be.” Bone is used to t he spot light. The t wo-t ime Parade Magazine All-America fi rst teamer had 2,516 points and 1,315 rebounds in her high school career and won the McDonald’s All-American Player of the Year award as a senior. This summer, she helped lead Team USA to a gold medal in the FIBA Under-19 World Championships in Thailand. “The FIBA experience was really great. Anytime you can wear those three letters across your chest and represent your country, it’s always a big thing,” Bone said. “For me, USA Basketball has always been a very positive experience. Any time you can win a gold medal, it’s always a plus.” All of her past experience, according to her, is nothing like what she’s part of now. “I’m just tr y ing to understand the different aspects of the college game. I’ve played a lot of basketball in my life, but I’ve never embarked upon anything like this,” Bone said. “The college game is a transition, but a good one at that.” Despite her i m mense t a lent s, there will likely be a learning curve for Bone, at least in the beginning. “She’s going to have to understand that for what we’re bringing to the table, she’s going to be one of the marquee players that people are going to try and devise game plans to stop,” Staley said. “If she’s not ready for that, we might take a big hit. We have to prepare to play without her at some point, because she is a freshman, and at this point I think she is foul prone. We’re going to try and
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Kelsey Bone keep her on the floor as much as possible.” USC struggled to a 10-18 finish last season, plagued by a lack of an inside presence the whole way. With Bone on campus, t hat should no longer be an issue. “She’s definitely a presence in t he post. Hav ing one of those is very important,” junior forward Jewel May said. “It brings production in the inside; it takes attention off the shooters and the other post players a nd opens up things.” Once Bone adjusts to the college game, the sky appears to be the limit for her and the Gamecocks. “I’m really, really excited. Just all the possibilities that are there, and all the expectations on us,” Bone said. “We just have to come out, work and win games.” For eons it seems, the big-name, high-upside, blue-chip recruits have always managed to end up a ny where el se but Columbia. That trend cha nged w it h Kelsey Bone this past spring. USC hopes that’s not t he on ly t h i ng she’l l change in her years in garnet and black. Comments on this story? E- m a i l s a g c k s p t @ mailbox.sc.edu
The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
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BREAKING DOWN THE Team by team report on Carolina’s potential opponents Rodney Gray
THE DAILY GAMECOCK
1. Miami (Fla.) Hurricanes (1913 in 2009) — The Hurricanes look to replace the production of the school’s all-time three-point shooter in Jack McClinton and advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament. The Hurricanes’ lone returning starters include forwards Dwayne Collins and Cyrus McGowan. The ‘Canes will also be expecting a lot from sophomore guard Malcolm Grant , who had to sit out last season due to NCAA transfer rules. “We’re excited for another
season. We really like our team,” coach Frank Haith said. “We’re young, but we also have some veterans and we’re excited about t heir improvement over the last season.” 2. Davidson Wildcats (27-8 in 2009 ) — Despite losing the nation’s leading scorer in Stephen Curry to the Golden State Warriors, the Wildcats are looking to continue building upon the team’s success f rom last season. Wit h a team that includes nine underclassmen, the Wildcats will be look ing for senior leadership: Will Archambault, Dan Nelms, Steve Rossiter and junior Brendan McKillop highlight the group. “This is a team expecting excellence. You have a chance; let’s seize the moment. Let’s
aged 17.3 points per game last year. The 2009-10 team will be a very experienced one, as the Explorers return their four leading scores from a year ago. The Explorers will also be displaying the highly touted freshman Aaric Murray, who was ranked 59 in ESPN’s top 100 basketball recruits. He’ll get a chance to show what he can do when his Explorers take on South Carolina in the team’s opening round matchup. shock the experts. Let’s freakin’ take what’s ours!” coach Bob McKillop told fans at the fifth annual “A Night With the Cats.” 3. La Salle Explorers (18-13 in 2009) — The Explorers return t he At lant ic-10’s secondleading scorer in senior guard Rodney Green. Green aver-
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4. UNC Wilmington Seahawks (7-25 in 2009) — The Seahawks return their leading scorer in Chad Tomko, who averaged 15.6 points per game and made the All-CAA third team. The Hawks, who were picked to finish last in their conference, will be looking to a rejuvenated team that includes eight returners and seven newcomers. “We’re blending seven new guys with eight returnees who had a tough year last year. It reiterates that people don’t know a lot about these guys. They’re unproven and until they prove something, nothing’s going to be given,” coach Benny Moss said. 5. Tulane Green Wave (14-17 in 2009) — The Green Wave returns three starters: senior Asim McQueen, junior Kris Richard and leading-scorer Kevin Sims. The Green Wave return ten players to the 2009 team overall — a far cry from the youth-fi lled team from a year ago. Sims ranked second among Conference USA players with 2.13 steals a game.
“We’re having some really good practices to this point last year at this time I was very concerned about our team as far as our health, we had four out of our top seven players with major surgeries going into last season, and so that didn’t allow us to have good practices and I thought in nonconference schedule we struggled because of that, and we wasn’t a good team until the end of the year when everyone really got healthy,” coach Dave Dickerson said. 6. South Florida Bulls (9-22 in 2009) — The Bulls will be looking to bounce back from last season in the brutal Big East conference, which every year is stocked with talent from head to toe. The Bulls will look to their floor general in Dominique Jones, who averaged 18.1 points per game for USF. 7. Penn State Nittany Lions (26-11 in 2009) — The Nittany Lions will be looking to build upon last season’s success, re-
turning a talented team headlined by All-Big Ten guard Taylor Battle. Battle averaged 16.7 points a game last season in a squad that put together a deep run in the National Invitational Tournament. “I don’t think just because you have ‘senior’ next to your name means you’re a leader or not-leader. I think leaders are guys who can do it and I’ve never really been one to care if they’re a senior or a sophomore or a junior or a freshman,” DeChellis said. Comments on this story? E-mail sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu
Coach Horn and Coach Staley want to see YOU in the Colonial Life Arena at EVERY one of their games wearing officially licensed South Carolina Gamecock merchandise.
The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
PAGE 6B
Nonconference games pose challenge for USC Level of difficulty rises for battle-tested Gamecock squad Justin Wilson
THE DAILY GAMECOCK
Coming off a spectacular nonconference performance last season, Carolina looks to build on and continue that momentum heading into the 2009-2010 season. The team finished last season with a 12-2 record in nonconference play. In all likelihood, the Gamecocks will square off against 15 nonconference games this upcoming season. In retrospect, the men’s basketball team does not face many challenges in the early phase of their 2009-2010 season against non-conference opponents. The season kicks off Nov. 13 at home against
Alabama A&M, a team that f i n i shed t he 20 0 8 -20 0 9 season with a 8-19 record. In their next game on Nov. 16, the team takes on the Georgia Southern Eagles who boasted an 8-22 record last season. Carolina then heads out to Charleston to compete in the Charleston Classic. Some familiar faces roll into town on Dec. 2 as the Gamecocks take on Western Kentuck y in what will no doubt be an emotional game for Coach Darrin Horn . Horn was the assistant coach of t he H i l ltoppers f rom 1993-1995 and then served as head coach from 2003-2008 including a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2008. T he H i l ltopper s, who boasted an outstanding 24-8 record last season, come into this year picked to win the
Sun Belt Eastern conference title. The Hilltoppers return senior guard A.J. Slaughter who averaged 16 points per game and reeled in a plethora of accolades last season. The first true test of the season will most likely come when the Gamecocks head down the road to take on in-state rival Clemson on Dec. 6. They will be looking to end their five-game losing streak against the Tigers. Last season’s match in Columbia was a close one, but Clemson walked out of the Colonial Life Arena winners in a 98-87 contest, despite Devan Dow ney’s careerhigh 37 point performance. Carolina will have to play well in the paint in order to defeat the Tigers this year as they do return Second-team all ACC selection forward Trevor Booker who averaged
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almost a double-double last season. “We build around [Booker] offensively and defensively” Coach Oliver Purnell said. “He is our emotional leader.” The Tigers also picked up a weapon in 6-foot-6-inch wingman Noel Johnson, one of the top-ranked shooting guards in this years freshman class. Carolina then heads up to Chestnut Hill, Mass. on Dec. 30 to take on a weakened Boston College team. The Eagles were picked to finish ninth in the dominant basketball conference that is the ACC. Good news for the Gamecocks in this matchup is that stellar point guard and leader Tyrese Rice from last season’s team graduated. However, the Eagles are an experienced club that returns most of the players from last season. “ We a r e g o i n g t o b e a young basketball team,” Skinner said. “The sooner our young kids get together and understand each other, the better chance we have of having some success this season.” The Gamecocks then return home on Jan. 2 to face the Baylor Bears. The Bears finished with a 24-15 record last season concluding with a six-point loss in the NIT Championship game against Penn State. Baylor returns standout guard LaceDarius Dunn. Dunn, who averaged nearly 16 points per game and 5 rebounds per game last season, is a well-rounded ball player who has the ability to hit from beyond the arc on a regular basis. Baylor added a bu nch of new faces to add to this year’s squad as they have six freshmen on the roster. “I think we’re going to get better as the season progresses,” Coach Scott Drew said. “I think our best ball
should be at the end of the season.” This may benefit Carolina as they face Baylor fairly early in the season. Comments on this story? E-mail sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu
Matt Brown Photography
Baylor guard LaceDarius will make a visit to Columbia.
The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
PAGE 7B
Staley raises competition in nonconference USC prepares for one of nation’s most challenging schedules Ed Neuhaus
THE DAILY GAMECOCK
@ Clemson (11/19): The Gamecocks will travel to the Upstate to take on the Tigers, who beat the Gamecocks 52-45 in Columbia last season. The last time the two teams met in the Upstate, in 2007, the Gamecocks pulled away with a 64-43 victory. Clemson is led by senior Lele Hardy, who was tabbed as a third team All-ACC selection last season. The Gamecocks will look to dig into Clemson’s advantage in the all-time series between the two teams, which the Tigers lead 32-22. Vs. Penn State (11/22) Carolina opens up its home schedule at the Colonial Life Arena against the Lady Lions. Penn State won 56-42 in State College last year. The Gamecocks will look to contain senior Tyra Grant, who was selected to the preseason All-Big Ten team this season. U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam (11/26-11/28) The U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam produces what might be the biggest test of the year for the Gamecocks, who will take on Oklahoma, Notre Dame and San Diego State. The No. 4 Fighting Irish includes freshman guard Skylar Diggins, who played for the U.S. National team this past summer at the FIBA U19 World Championships. The Irish made the NCA A tournament last season and lost in the first round. The No. 13 Sooners were affected by graduation after advancing to the final four last season. One player of note for Oklahoma is Carlee Roethlisberger, sister of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Even t he least marquee
name of the three teams the Gamecocks play is dangerous. San Diego State upset DePaul in the first round of the NCAA tournament last year before losing to Stanford in the second round. Vs. N.C. State (12/13) The Wolfpack come into Columbia after losing to the Gamecocks 56-55 in Raleigh last season. NC State was tabbed to fi nish ninth in the ACC this year, but new coach Kellie Harper’s team still returns 11 of 12 players from last season. Vs. Wake Forest (12/17) The Demon Deacons come to Columbia after beating Carolina 74-57 in WinstonSalem last season. The lineup for Wake Forest at this point is undetermined, as the Demon Deacons graduated two starters from last season and are a young team this year. Vs. North Carolina in Myrtle Beach, SC (12/20) One of the biggest games on Carolina’s schedule will occur in Myrtle Beach against the Tar Heels. No. 5 North Carolina was predicted to win the ACC this year after advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season. Senior Jessica Breland of the Tar Heels was selected to the preseason A ll-ACC team, and freshman Tierra Ruffin-Pratt was picked as preseason rookie of the year. Ruffin-Pratt was a Parade All-American last year in high school and was the Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year. St. Joseph’s Tournament (12/28-12/29) The Gamecocks head to Coach Staley’s old stomping grounds of Philadelphia for the St. Joseph’s Tournament where they’ll face Boston University and either Brown or Saint Joseph’s. Boston University, out of the America East Conference, is coming off its best year in program history after going 16-0 in conference play last season and advancing
to the Women’s NIT. Brow n is led by sen ior Courtney Lee, who was the team’s MVP last season, and looks to improve on a disastrous 2008-09 season where they finished 3-25. St. Joseph’s returns three starters from last year’s team that fi nished 13-17. Senior Brittany Ford, who was selected to the preseason All-Atlantic 10 team, leads the Hawks. @ Charlotte (11/16), vs High Point (12/2) The two low profile games on the Gamecocks’ nonconference slate include an away game at Charlotte, who the Gamecocks beat 78-76 in Columbia last year, and a home game against High Point, who Carolina routed 73-52 at home in 2008. Charlotte made the NCAA tournament last season before losing in the fi rst round, and High Point was
Sue Ogrocki / The Associated Press
OU will face off against Carolina this year at the Paradise Jam. selected to finish first in the Big South this season.
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Chris Cox
James Kratch
Sports Editor
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CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS
Big East: Louisville ACC: North Carolina Pac-10: UCLA Big 12: Texas Big Ten: Kansas SEC: Kentucky
Big East: UConn ACC: Duke Pac-10: UCLA Big 12: Kansas Big Ten: Michigan State SEC: South Carolina
FINAL FOUR
FINAL FOUR
Texas vs. UCLA North Carolina vs. Georgetown
Michigan State vs. Duke Kansas vs. Purdue
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
North Carolina over Texas
Michigan State over Kansas
The Daily Gamecock â—? MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
DATE 11/13 11/16 11/19 11/20 11/22 11/27 12/02 12/06 12/16 12/19 12/21 12/30 1/02 1/05 1/09 1/13 1/16 1/20 1/23 1/26 1/30 2/06 2/10 2/13 2/17 2/20 2/25 2/27 3/03 3/06
OPPONENT
LOCATION
Alabama A&M Columbia, SC Georgia Southern Columbia, SC La Salle Charleston, SC Charleston Classic Charleston, SC Charleston Classic Charleston, SC Jacksonville Columbia, SC Western Kentucky Columbia, SC Clemson Clemson, SC Richmond Columbia, SC Wofford Spartanburg, SC Furman Columbia, SC Boston College Chestnut Hill, Mass. Baylor Columbia, SC Longwood Columbia, SC Auburn Auburn, Ala. LSU Columbia, SC Vanderbilt Columbia, SC Mississippi Oxford, Miss Florida Gainesville, Fla. Kentucky Columbia, SC Georgia Columbia, SC Tennessee Knoxville, Tenn. Florida Columbia, SC Georgia Athens, Ga. Arkansas Fayetteville, Ark. Tennessee Columbia, SC Kentucky Lexington, Ky. Mississippi Columbia, SC Alabama Columbia, SC Vanderbilt Nashville, Tenn.
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TIME
DATE
OPPONENT
LOCATION
TIME
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 9:30 p.m. TBA TBA 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 9 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 8 p.m. 6 p.m. 9p.m. 6 p.m. 9 p.m. 7 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m. 4 p.m. 9 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 9 p.m. 6 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m.
11/16 11/19 11/22 11/26 11/27 11/28 12/02 12/13 12/17 12/20 12/28 12/29 1/03 1/07 1/10 1/14 1/17 1/21 1/24 1/28 1/31 2/04 2/07 2/11 2/14 2/21 2/25 2/28
Charlotte Clemson Penn State Oklahoma Notre Dame San Diego State High Point N.C. State Wake Forest North Carolina Boston Brown/ St. Josephs LSU Tennessee Alabama Kentucky Auburn LSU Florida Mississippi Tennessee Auburn Georgia Mississippi State Arkansas Kentucky Georgia Vanderbilt
Charlotte, NC Clemson, SC Columbia, SC St. Thomas U.S.V.I St. Thomas U.S.V.I St. Thomas U.S.V.I Columbia, SC Columbia, SC Columbia, SC Myrtle Beach, SC Philadelphia, Pa. Philadelphia, Pa. Columbia, SC Knoxville, Tenn. Tuscaloosa, Ala. Columbia, SC Columbia, SC Baton Rouge, La. Gainesville, Fla. Columbia, SC Columbia, SC Auburn, Ala. Athens, Ga. Columbia, SC Columbia, SC Lexington, Ky. Columbia, SC Nashville Tenn.
7 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. 11 a.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 4 p.m. 2/4 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 7 p.m. 2 p.m 7 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 7 p.m. 1 p.m.
Kara Roache / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
Chris Keohane / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
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CONGRATULATIONS WOMENS SOCCER •SEC CHAMPIONS•
The South Carolina women’s soccer team captured its first SEC title after defeating LSU 8-7 in penalty kicks at the conference tournament.
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Look for a full recap of this weekend’s tournament action in tomorrow’s sports section of The Daily Gamecock.
The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
PAGE 11B
Kratch: Bold prediction for Gamecocks The South Carolina men’s basketball team will win the Southeastern Conference championship. Yeah, I said it. Cut the column out. Photocopy it. Bookmark it on your web browser. Hold me to those twelve words. Is t here some risk in those twelve words? Oh yeah. The SEC is James going to be loaded this Kratch fall. Tennessee returns Third-year J.P. Prince, Tyler Smith, history student and Wayne Chism. We all know about the hype circus that has been raging in Lexington ever since John Calipari rode in on his white stallion. “I think the league is going to be terrific,” USC coach Darrin Horn said. “The best in college basketball.” The league will be terrific. A terrific league that USC will win. There’s no doubt that the SEC will be worlds more difficult to navigate
than last season. In fact, it’s entirely conceivable that any team could make immense improvements from a year ago, and have nothing to show for it. “You could be even better than you were last year, and maybe your win total doesn’t show it,” Horn said. “Maybe your place in the league in terms of finish doesn’t show that, but you can be a better team with that being the case.” Is such a fate possible for USC? Yes. Is it probable? No. This team has too much going for it. Start with the experience. Everybody knows that Devan Downey and Dominique Archie are back, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. USC returns four of five starters, and of the one they lost (guard Zam Frederick to graduation), they return sixth-man Brandis Raley-Ross. “The fact that we’ve got some returning guys is encouraging, but that being said, those guys also have to be good. It’s great to have Dominique and Devan back, but in addition to that, we get a lot of other guys back that have
Ben Fine / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
Senior point guard Devan Downey hopes to lead USC to the SEC title. been through it,” Horn said. “I call them ‘being through the wars.’ The Gamecocks won’t live and die on what their senior stars do this year. The “other guys” are more than capable of picking up the slack.
Don’t forget about Downey and Archie though. Both had a chance to go play in the NBA or in Europe. Both chose to return to Columbia. They didn’t come back to school to go through the motions. They came back to win. And win they will. Sorr y, but I’m not buying into Kentucky. Tennessee will be tough, but USC will be better. Vandy and the rest of the pack have talent, but when push comes to shove, they won’t have the athletes to match up with the Gamecocks if USC is on. This league is there’s. “Our goals are always going to be to win championships and be in the NCAA tournament,” Horn said. “If you don’t set those (goals), than you’re going to fall short.” Last year, Carolina fell short. That won’t happen this time around. USC won’t spend Selection Sunday in Columbia left out this time. They’ll spend it celebrating a title in Nashville. You heard it here first.
PAGE 12B
The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
Freshmen expect to make impact Gamecocks add solid class set to provide depth, talent for USC basketball Jake FitzGerald
THE DAILY GAMECOCK
With his outgoing personality and acrobatic dunks, Ramon Galloway stole the show at the men’s open basketball practice on Oct. 28. And he’s only a freshman. Galloway, along with Lakeem Jackson and Stephen Spinella, is one of the three true freshmen who will be suiting up for the men’s basketball team this winter. “I’m ready to perform when I’m told,” Galloway said. “When it’s time for me to go out there and play I’m ready to go out and play and help my team out.” Galloway is no stranger to performance. As the No. 24 point guard in the country coming out of high school (ranking by Rivals.com), Galloway averaged 17.7 points, seven rebounds and 4.5 assists per game his senior year at William T. Dwyer in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. As a junior, he was named firstteam all-area and first-team allconference while leading his team to a 21-4 record and a spot in the FHSAA Class 5A regional final. With the loss of guards Branden Conrad and Zam Fredrick to graduation, Galloway will fill a major void left in the backcourt. A tandem of Galloway and senior Devan Downey handling the ball creates an incredibly fast and athletic backcourt. And who better to help Galloway develop into a college player than Downey? “It’s a great chance as a freshman [to play with Downey] because he’s an All-American. Pretty much, to me, he’s All American,” Galloway said. Spinella will also help share the load in the backcourt. The 6-foot-4inch guard from Colts Neck, N.J. averaged 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists during his senior season to lead the conference in scoring. He
played the 2008-09 school year at Apex Academy Prep School in New Jersey, where he averaged an astonishing 32 points per game and scored a single-game high of 51 points. “I’m just here to play, be a teammate,” Spinella said. “I’m a shooter, but I’m a scorer really. I can shoot it from deep, handle the ball a little bit. I specialize in something. They specialize in something which when we start practice it’s going to all come together and form what we need to form.” Jackson, a 6-foot-5-inch shooting forward from Charlotte, N.C. and ranked as the No. 15 small forward by Scout.com, will add some youth to a veteran frontcourt. W hile a senior at Christ School, Jackson averaged 15. 2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists during his senior season and helped lead his team to a t hird consecutive NCISAA (North Carolina Independent School At h let ic Association) State Championship. “ We ’ r e l o o k ing to win a lot of games this year and I hope that me and the other freshmen can help do that,” Jackson said. All three freshmen have upperclassmen to compete with, and their adjustment to college ball will most likely dictate playing time. “The pace of basketball here was defi nitely d if ferent f rom h igh school,” Jackson said. “It’s one speed and if you’re not in shape it’s FRESHMEN ● 13B
Kara Roache
ME / THE DA ILY GA
COCK
Kara Roache / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
Ramon Galloway is set to make a big contribution for USC. FRESHMEN ● Continued from 12B going to catch up with you.” A veteran roster of five juniors and five seniors should create a great environment for the newcomers to grow and develop. “ We ’r e m e s h i n g r e a l good,” Spinella said. “The upperclassmen are really
comforting to us because they know we’re away and this is all new to us. They’re really helping us out a lot with just everything on the cou r t a nd of f t he cou r t. We’re really like a family.”
Comments on this story? E-mail sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu
The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
PAGE 14B
SEC EAST PREVIEW
Kara Roache / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
Sam Davis
STAFF WRITER
1. Kentucky Wildcats — The Wildcats have poten-
tially one of the greatest recruiting classes of all time. When John Calipari made t he move f rom Memphis to Tennessee, his recruits
Ben Fine / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
came with him. Now, the Wildcats have a new coach who knows how to win and the tools to do it. John Wall, a 6-foot-4-inch guard from
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Raleigh, North Carolina, is lumbered to a f ifth place considered the No. 1 pros- fi nish in the East. “We laid pect in the class and will a very solid foundation for certainly be a lottery NBA what we can be not only this draft pick when the time year, but in years to come.,” comes. Coach Kevin Stallings said. “They talk about pres4. Florida Gators — A possure. Let me tell you some- sible fifth place finish for thing — One, I don’t need the Gators makes the team the job. Two, I don’t need look weak — its not, t he t he money. I’ll put more conference is just stacked. pressure on me than any- It won’t contend as well as body else will put on me,” last year t hough, as each Calipari said. “If we’re do- team has improved while ing what we’re supposed to Florida lost its best player to do, this is going to be fun.” Greece in point guard Nick 2. Tennessee Volunteers Calathes. “We’re going to — The Vols were the only have to figure it out … but team from the East to make it’s going to be a challenge,” the NCAA Tournament last Coach Billy Donovan said. year. They should return 5. Georgia Bulldogs — Still this year, as they too will rebu ilding, Georg ia w ill be a stronger team than last struggle again in 2010. Its year. Tyler Smith came back b ac k c ou r t i s more t h a n for his senior year and will wea k — it s i ncapable of be one of the best players competing with most other in SEC and one of the most SEC teams. Freshman Dewell rounded players in the Mario Mayfield and Vincent country. “Expectations have Williams are t wo g uards been raised, and they should that will need to make an be,” coach Bruce Pearl said. immediate impact in order 3. Vanderbilt Commodores for the team to put up wins, — Vandy has one of the best although they are just twobig men in the league in A.J star talents according to Ogilvy. At 6 feet 10 inches Rivals. tall, 250 pounds, he is the nucleus of the team. Last year, they didn’t have much Comments on this story? of a support ing cast and E-mail sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu
The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
PAGE 15B
SEC WEST PREVIEW
Alan Tauber / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
Chris Bilko
THE DAILY GAMECOCK
1. LSU Tigers — Looking to expand on one of the SEC’s few NCA A tournament berths last year, the Tigers will be looking for veterans to carry the load. Senior forward Tasmin Mitchell looks to be the best player returning for the Bayou Bengals after averaging 16 points per game last season. “As good as (Mitchell) was last year, he is even better this year,” said head coach Trent Johnson. “He is one of the best players on this team, in this conference and potentially in the country.” Despite previous success in recruiting, the incoming freshman class is pretty bare. Aaron Dotson may be the only freshman that has the skill to contribute this year. The skills of Mitchell and some contributions from the complementary players should keep LSU near the top of the division. 2. Mississippi State Bulldogs — The Bu lldogs were g reat dow n t he stretch last year, gaining an automatic bid into the NCAA tournament after a run to the conference tou r ney cha mpionsh ip. Ju n ior center Jarvis Varnado was blocking shots left and right when he broke the single season record with 170, but he will be looked upon
Todd Van Ermst / Auburn Media Relations
this year to become an offensive weapon. Scoring may be an issue for Coach Rick Stansbury’s squad, as they lost two of their top scorers from the 08-09 campaign to the NBA. The team may be young, but they will still be very formidable. “It is the most experience I have had in a long time and we only have t wo seniors coming back,” said Stansbury. “We have been unfortunate with some guys transferring and some losses to the NBA draft. There is no question we are better off at this point in the year than we were at this point last year.” 3. Alabama Crimson Tide — Bama gets a new head coach this year in Anthony Grant, who will be looking to continue his success that he had at VCU. “Coach Grant is a g reat g uy on and off the court,” said senior g uard Mik hail Torrance. “He’s taught us so much already and we are just ready to get going.” Grant is looking to right the ship this year after an odd campaign last year that included the previous head coach quitting mid-season, but they still fi nished with an alright 18-14 record. The Tide has a good incoming freshmen class and some fair returnees that should all contribute in some way. If Coach Grant can implement his system well t his season, t hen look for Alabama to make some upsets and
Alan Tauber / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
even contend for the West crown. 4. Auburn Tigers — Last year was a turning point year for the Tigers when the perennial bottom dwellers finished the season at 24-12. They just na r rowly m issed a n NCAA tournament berth. “It was frustrating,” said head coach Jeff Lebo. “We thought that we did enough to get in, especially since there has never been a team to win 10 games in the SEC and not make it to the NCAA.” The Tigers did have some postseason success when they got to the quarterfi nals of the NIT. Auburn is a fairly young team, and will be looking to senior guard DeWayne Reed and senior for ward Lucas Hargrove for t he much needed leadership. Unless Charles Barkley gets another year of eligibilit y, don’t look for Auburn to get out of the middle of the pack in the West. 5. Ole Miss Rebels — A f t e r a promising start to last season, the Rebels were plagued by injuries and ended up with a mediocre 7-9 SEC record. “When you have what we went through last year with season ending injuries, it changed our guys focus,” head coach Andy Kennedy said. Many of the players that went down last season will be returning, including junior guard Chris Warren. Before he got hurt last
Kara Roache / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
year, Warren was averaging nearly 20 points per game. The backcourt might be a problem for the Rebels because of their lack of size. They lack an established big man and it might pose some matchup problems with some of the other, bigger teams in the conference. Ole Miss should do about the same as they did last year and shouldn’t get any farther than the NIT. 6. Arkansas Razorbacks — The Razorbacks were a paltry 2-14 in the SEC last year and looked nothing like the winning-rich program of previous years. The problem for the team was the lack of depth on the bench, even though they had plenty of skill players. “We were not able to practice l i ke we wa nted to b ec au se of injuries,” said head coach John Pelphrey. “In games, when players were not producing, we had to change our game plan rather than just subbing in a different player.” Pelphrey has done some good recruiting in the past year, but these players probably won’t make that big of an impact this season. The Razorbacks should improve a little bit this season, but don’t look for them to escape the bottom of the division. Comments on this story? E-mail sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu
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The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
Former center settles back into Columbia James Kratch
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
After a long and winding basketball journey that took him from the mountains of Tennessee to the Ukraine and everywhere in between, former USC big man Ryan Stack has finally eased into retirement. “It’s dif ferent. There’s been a big transition from a standpoint of not playing and having a lot of free time,” Stack said. A st ar at Cheat ham County High, just outside of Nashville, Carolina fans would best remember Stack as a four-year letter winner and one of the key players on the famed 1996-1997 squad, whose 24-8 record and 15-1 mark in league play gave USC the only SEC championship in school history. However, the road there wasn’t exactly easy. “It was a very memorable season. Memorable in two
ways; w e started of f r e a l bad that sea son a nd we had one of those team meetings where we ironed out a lot of kinks,” Stack said. “We just kept a positive attitude and worked together and got past that rough start.” T hat rough st a r t — a 5-5 opening to the season, including a home loss to Charleston Southern — was quickly forgotten with a 19-1 run down the stretch, and a season sweep of Kentucky. However, the team faltered late, being upset in the first round of the NCA A tournament by 14-seed Coppin State. The loss ended up being Stack’s last game as a Gamecock, as he declared for the NBA Draft that spring, being drafted by Cleveland in the second round. “It was a great experience, coming right out of college and getting drafted. The NBA is first class,” Stack said. Stack spent two seasons with the Cavaliers, backing up All-Star center Zydrunas I l g au s k a s , b e f or e lo oking overseas in an attempt to find more playing time. He landed in Spain, joining Gijon Baloncesto in 2000.
The process was not without difficulties though. “My first couple of years in Europe was quite difficult. When I first arrived in Spain, I was the only one on t he team that spoke Engl i s h ,” S t a c k said. “Luckily I was familiar enough wit h Spanish to communicate and learn plays and get around.” Despite having played in a college basketball power conference and t hen t he NBA, Stack learned that professional basketball overseas is a different animal. “In the states, it’s a sport. Bad game, bad game. I n Europe, bad game, (management would say) we’re not going to pay you this month,” Stack said. “The mentality was it was a job when I was there. We practiced twice a day; we practiced before the games (on gameday).” A fter t wo seasons with Gijon, Stack moved to Israel, where he spent a season with Maccabi Ramat Gan in 2002. He then signed with Greek team Aris BC, a Euroleague powerhouse, where he spent fou r seasons, w i n n i ng a EuroCup title in 2003 and becoming the highest paid center in Eu ropean basketball. Even playing for a premier team, the experience didn’t even come to close to that back home. “The NBA is a piece of cake compared to Europe. Things are done first class here,” Stack said. “There were no jets; it was more or less 16-hour bus rides, they would give you a Coke, a hard piece of bread and an apple for pregame meal. It was quite different then the steak they used to give you on the plane (in the NBA).” After Aris, Stack moved to another perennial contender in Olympiacos, before finish-
PAGE 17B
ing his career with BK Kyiv in the Ukraine. Now back home, Stack is preparing to take on another challenge: finishing his criminal justice degree at USC. “I’m just getting my degree. I made a promise to my coach and my parents I would finish it up,” Stack said. “I want to finish it up as well, so I can tell my kids (I got it).” Although his playing days are over, Stack still has his eyes on the current Gamecock basketball team, and he likes what he’s seeing. “I was able to make it to a couple of games (last year).
I think we’re headed in the right direction. I love the energ y of the new coaching staff. It’s a good group of guys, and they’ve got an exceptional recruiting class coming in,” Stack said. “The hardest part about coaching is getting players here, and once you get t hem here, teaching them how to play. I’ve got a lot of confidence in our coaching staff though. I think they’ll do great.”
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Photo Courtesy of www.thehoop.blogspot.com
Former center Ryan Stack while playing overseas.
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The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
Breaking down the USC roster Veterans key for Carolina squad poised for greatness Sam Davis
STAFF WRITER
The Gamecocks broke through in 2009, putting together their first winning record since 2006 and finished as co-champions of the SEC Eastern Division. But the season fi nished on a sour note, as USC ended up on the wrong side of the bubble after losing three of its final four games of the season — earning a trip to the NIT in the process. Still no success there, however – they got beat in the Colonial Life Arena by Davidson and didn’t make it out of the first round. Now things look to be different in 2010, as four of the Gamecocks’ five starters return and the team looks to prove itself in a much-improved Southeastern Conference. Here’s how the lineup looks to shake out. Guard — Devan Downey, senior, 5 feet 9 inches tall, 175 lbs. Everyone in Columbia should know this name by now. He has the ability to control and take over a basketball game and is the heart and soul of this South Carolina team. After contemplating entering the NBA Draft after his junior season, No. 2 eventually withdrew his name to come back for one last season with coach Darrin Horn. If Downey can continue to have success even as he begins to face double and triple teams, then South Carolina will see success in a rough and tumble SEC. Keep in mind, though, he doesn’t have to put up over 20 points a game to win. He can get it done with his remarkable defense (Downey’s led the SEC in steals the past two years) as well as by moving the ball around to his very capable teammates as he draws all 10 opposing eyes to him. G u a r d — Brandis Raley-Ross, senior, 6 feet 2 inches tall, 193 lbs. This is the one spot missing from l a s t y e a r ’s lineup, where Zam Fredrick not only occupied but also was second on t he team i n scoring and prov ided a ser iou s t h ree-poi nt threat. Raley-Ross will likely fill in as the fifth starter, though it could be freshman Lakeem Jackson depending on how fall practices go. Due to experience, however, it will likely be Raley-Ross, who played 24.6 minutes per game last year and averaged 7.0 points per game to go along with 2.6 assists. Whoever fills in here
won’t be the star of this lineup, but will need to put in good minutes as a role player without hurting the team with turnovers and missed shots. Forward — Dominique Archie, junior, 6 feet 7 inches tall, 200 lbs. Archie could be the wildcard of this Gamecock lineup. If he plays up to his potential game in and game out, he can be a fi rst team All-SEC caliber player. As the only other Gamecock besides Downey to wet his feet in the NBA lottery, Archie has the high-flying ability to play the entire game above the rim. He can rebound, he can get to the basket, and he can even shoot a little bit. Last year, he scored 10.9 points per game and added 6.4 rebounds per contest. With Archie’s talent and so much of the opponents’ attention focused on Downey, those numbers can increase by at least five each. Also, playing as the 3 in the Gamecocks’ lineup, he’ll often draw undersized matchups that he can use his combination of quickness and size to take advantage of. Forward — Mike Holmes, junior, 6 feet 7 inches, 230 lbs. A major factor in some of the Gamecocks’ losses was the rebounding differential. In a crucial 16-point loss to Tennessee in the Colonial Life Arena late in the season, the Gamecocks were outrebounded by a count of 44-22, making their shortcomings in the paint the story of the game. In that game, Holmes grabbed just three boards as USC failed to get that one last key victory that may have assured them a bid to the Big Dance. This year, USC will need Holmes to help lead the Gamecocks’ rebounding efforts in a conference with rebounding juggernauts like Kentucky’s Patrick Patterson and Mississippi State’s Jarvis Varnado. But he’s not just good for hitting the boards — he can do some scoring too, whether it’s a clean-up basket on an offensive rebound or an emphatic slamdunk t hat brings the Garnet Army to its feet. Forward — Sam Muldrow, junior, 6 feet 9 inches tall, 219 lbs. With a wingspan that seems to stretch across the entire court at times, Sam Muldrow is a key force in the paint for South Carolina in m o r e than one w a y. He a long w it h fellow big man Mike Holmes need to crash the offensive and defensive boards all game long so that USC doesn’t lose any more battles in the paint. Perhaps Muldrow’s sharpest tool is his shot blocking ability. With his length and athleticism that Horn often alludes to, he sent back
Chris Keohane / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
Senior forward Dominique Archie throws down a dunk during the team’s student-only practice. an average of 1.8 shots per game last year, which elevated to 2.0 in SEC play. In a game against Kentucky, Muldrow swatted seven Wildcat shots, clearly displaying how he can affect games the most. As the tallest player on the Gamecock roster (along with junior Johndre Jefferson), Muldrow will have his hands full come SEC play as several teams, as mentioned before, feature talented big-men down low. Bench There’s no doubt Horn’s first recruiting class at USC is a dandy. The three freshmen he brought in as well as junior college transfer Johndre Jefferson can all see minutes each game and provide valuable depth that the Gamecocks lacked a season ago. Due to poor recruiting before Horn came in, however, USC’s bench will be talented but inexperienced, with no sophomores on the roster. There is some experience coming off the bench though, as junior forward Austin Steed put in good minutes every game for Horn last year and senior Evka Baniulis is the team’s most threatening outside shooter. So far, 6-foot-5-inch swingman Lakeem Jackson has been most impressive out of the freshman class and he may even start some games as a big 2-guard. His athleticism is what impresses Horn most, as he has a tremendous ability to get to the basket. With foul trouble arising as a problem for all teams at some point, the Gamecocks won’t fly in 2010 without contributions from non-starters. Comments on this story? E-mail sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu
The Daily Gamecock ● MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2009
PAGE 19B
Alan Tauber / THE DAILY GAMECOCK
The South Carolina women’s basketball team looks for a group of young players to lead them to Dawn Staley’s first winning season as head coach.
Youngsters set to lead USC Freshmen class looks to guide Staley’s group to winning season Ed Neuhaus
THE DAILY GAMECOCK
The South Carolina Lady Gamecocks hope an infusion of young talent can help the team improve upon its 10-18 record from a season ago. USC coach Dawn Staley, who is entering her second year of the helm of Carolina women’s basketball, believes that the new talent will play a big role. “I think the biggest check we had to mark off was getting more talented players,” Staley said. The Gamecock roster includes a number of new faces, including freshman center Kelsey Bone, who was rated the country’s No. 2 prospect out of high school. Bone looks to start at center for the Gamecocks, but Staley isn’t going to just hand Bone the starting job. “Should she start? Talent-wise, yes. Am I just going to give it to her? Absolutely not,” Staley said. A number of returning Gamecocks also will
hope to play a hand in helping the team reach together a great team,” Newton said. the NCAA Tournament for the fi rst time since Junior forward Jewel May returns after starting 2003. Junior Guard Lauren Falohun averaged 20.3 26 games for Carolina last season. May averaged minutes per game as a sophomore. Falohun hopes 4.7 PPG last year and was second on the team in hard work this offseason will pan out as results blocks with 13. May is happy with the amount of during the regular season this year. depth that the team has, especially considering its “This year we’re just working even harder so youth that our hard work pays off. This year we’re just “It’s exciting because a lot of schools can’t say taking it to the next level,” Falohun said. that their recruits are even capable of playing at The Gamecocks are without a senior on their this level,” May said. “The fact that our coaches entire roster, so the bulk of their talent is young. have that much confidence in our freshmen is The good thing for Gamecock fans is that Caro- good.” lina returns four starters from last year. Junior guard Samone Kennedy was second on Sophomore guard La’Keisha Sutton broke the team in steals last year with 34. Kennedy looks through for the Gamecocks as a freshman last forward to stepping into a leadership role on a season and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team that is so young. team. Sutton was second on the team with 11 “It’s not like going into my senior year of high points per game last year. school. It’s a lot bigger than that,” Kennedy said. Sophomore guard Courtney Newton started “You have a lot of great players. You can talk to in eight of the team’s last nine games last season them and motivate them, but you have to lead by after missing the first two with a right knee injury. example.” Newton echoed the statements of Falohun and looks forward to the challenge this year brings. “We’ve worked so hard. It’s time to just prove ourselves and get some wins and show the fans Comments on this story? and this University that we worked hard to put E-mail sagckspt@mailbox.sc.edu