Five things that must change for South Carolina basketball to go on an SEC Tournament run
Five Things That Must Change for South Carolina Basketball to Go on an SEC Tournament Run
The South Carolina Gamecocks basketball program has been a staple in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for years, with head coach Frank Martin building a reputation for a gritty, defensive-minded squad. However, this season, the Gamecocks have encountered challenges that have prevented them from consistently competing at the highest level. With the SEC Tournament on the horizon, South Carolina finds itself in a critical position. In order for the Gamecocks to make a legitimate run in the tournament and potentially secure an NCAA Tournament bid, several things need to change. From offensive struggles to inconsistent performances, South Carolina’s path to postseason success hinges on making the necessary adjustments. Here, we break down five critical areas that must change if South Carolina is going to have a chance at an SEC Tournament run.
1. Consistent Offensive Production and Scoring Efficiency
One of the most glaring issues for South Carolina this season has been its offensive inconsistency. While the Gamecocks have shown flashes of brilliance on offense, they have often struggled to sustain scoring runs and generate points when it matters most. Their inability to consistently convert on offense has put extra pressure on their defense to keep them in games. As the SEC Tournament looms, the Gamecocks must figure out how to put together more efficient offensive performances, or they will find themselves eliminated early in the tournament.
Key Adjustments:
To improve their offensive output, South Carolina must find ways to increase scoring efficiency. They need to take better care of the basketball to avoid turnovers that kill offensive possessions. Poor shot selection has been another issue, especially in critical moments of games. South Carolina needs to run more effective plays to get high-percentage shots, particularly in transition. Creating open looks for players like G.G. Jackson and Zia Cooke, who have been solid offensive contributors, will be essential for generating consistent points. Jackson, a talented freshman forward, can create mismatches with his size and skill, but he must be more involved in the offense, especially in the post.
Moreover, South Carolina’s three-point shooting has been erratic this season. If the Gamecocks want to stretch defenses and create more opportunities inside, improving their perimeter shooting must be a top priority. Cooke has been one of the team’s top scoring threats, but South Carolina needs more from their outside shooters to spread the floor and give their star players the space they need to operate.
In Short:
South Carolina must find a way to balance its offense—leveraging players like Jackson and Cooke, improving shooting accuracy, and making smarter decisions with the ball in their hands. This is an area where Frank Martin’s squad has the potential to improve drastically, but it will require a focused effort throughout the SEC Tournament.
2. Defensive Consistency and Rebounding
South Carolina’s defensive identity has long been one of its calling cards, and the Gamecocks are still a solid defensive team overall. However, as the season has progressed, there have been stretches where they have been unable to maintain the suffocating defense that has traditionally defined their program. Inconsistent defensive efforts have led to teams getting easy baskets, particularly in transition and on the offensive glass.
Key Adjustments:
In the SEC Tournament, the Gamecocks will face some of the toughest offenses in the country, and their defense will be tested like never before. To make a deep run, South Carolina must return to its roots and ramp up its defensive intensity. It starts with defensive communication and maintaining focus for all 40 minutes. Keyshawn Bryant, Meechie Johnson, and G.G. Jackson will all need to take on bigger defensive responsibilities, including locking down the opposing team’s best players. The Gamecocks need to limit dribble penetration, contest shots effectively, and reduce second-chance opportunities.
Rebounding is another critical aspect of defense for South Carolina. The Gamecocks have been average at best when it comes to securing defensive rebounds, and in a tournament setting, they will need to improve their ability to box out and limit their opponents’ second-chance points. This means that players like Josh Gray, Michal Szuba, and Bryant must step up in the paint, especially against teams that are strong on the boards. Getting easy transition opportunities after securing a rebound will help the Gamecocks generate more offense while also controlling the tempo of games.
In Short:
South Carolina’s defense must become more tenacious and disciplined as the SEC Tournament unfolds. By focusing on limiting second-chance points and forcing teams to take contested shots, the Gamecocks can make it much harder for opponents to score consistently, providing a strong foundation for their offense to build upon.
3. Increased Leadership and Poise Under Pressure
South Carolina has shown at times that it is capable of playing high-level basketball, but there have been numerous instances throughout the season where the Gamecocks have been unable to maintain composure in high-pressure moments. Whether it is struggling to close out tight games or failing to execute under duress, South Carolina’s leadership—on and off the court—must step up to ensure the team stays focused in the critical moments of the SEC Tournament.
Key Adjustments:
Zia Cooke and G.G. Jackson will play pivotal roles as leaders for South Carolina. Cooke, as a senior guard, has experience in big games and can serve as a calming presence when things get hectic. Jackson, despite being a freshman, has shown the ability to perform on the big stage and has the potential to carry the team in clutch moments. It will be essential for these two players to not only maintain their individual performances but to also help keep the team focused, energized, and resilient in challenging moments.
Frank Martin will also need to ensure his team remains disciplined. With tournament games being emotionally charged, the Gamecocks can ill afford to get rattled by officiating, crowd noise, or the pressure of the stakes. Maintaining poise and not allowing mistakes to snowball will be crucial. The team must work together to stay grounded and not let the intensity of the tournament overwhelm them.
In Short:
Leadership is key for South Carolina to go on an SEC Tournament run. Cooke and Jackson must be able to inspire the team and make plays when the pressure is on, while the coaching staff ensures the squad stays disciplined and mentally sharp.
4. Improving Bench Production and Depth
Throughout the season, South Carolina has lacked consistent production from its bench players. While the starting lineup has had flashes of brilliance, there have been several games where the Gamecocks have struggled when their bench unit enters the game. In a tournament format, depth is incredibly important, as teams must rely on their reserves to step up when the starters need rest or are in foul trouble.
Key Adjustments:
South Carolina needs its bench players to become more involved in the rotation and contribute more offensively and defensively. Players like Meechie Johnson, Trevon Brazile, and Josh Gray have shown flashes of promise but have yet to develop the consistency necessary for tournament play. If these players can step up, it will not only relieve pressure on the starters but also allow South Carolina to keep its defensive intensity high throughout the entire game.
Frank Martin will need to create a rotation that keeps his key players fresh while still ensuring that the bench players are productive when called upon. Increased contributions from the bench could be the difference between a first-round exit and a deep run in the SEC Tournament.
In Short:
South Carolina must get better contributions from its bench, especially in a tournament format where fatigue can be a factor. If the reserves can step up and deliver, it will provide the Gamecocks with the depth necessary to make a run.
5. Better Offensive Game Planning and Adjustments
One of the biggest factors in South Carolina’s struggle this season has been their inability to adjust their offense in certain situations. Whether it’s responding to a tough defensive scheme or failing to capitalize on mismatches, the Gamecocks’ offensive strategy at times has lacked the flexibility and creativity needed to overcome strong defensive teams.
Key Adjustments:
Frank Martin’s coaching staff must come up with more creative offensive schemes that make the most of South Carolina’s personnel. This means better utilization of G.G. Jackson’s versatility and finding ways to free up Zia Cooke for open looks. Additionally, South Carolina should consider incorporating more motion and off-ball movement in their offense, something that has been missing at times this season.
The Gamecocks need to have an answer when opposing teams throw different defensive looks at them. Whether it’s a zone defense, a full-court press, or a box-and-one, South Carolina must be able to adapt and execute plays that generate easy scoring opportunities.
In Short:
South Carolina’s offense needs more creativity and flexibility. By developing a game plan that adapts to various defensive schemes and using their best players to exploit mismatches, the Gamecocks can make their offense more difficult to defend.
