South Carolina Gamecocks Considered a Pretender Not a Contender
The 2024–25 season marked a significant downturn for the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball team. After a promising 2023–24 campaign that saw them tie a school record with 26 wins and earn an NCAA Tournament berth, the Gamecocks finished the 2024–25 season with a 12–20 overall record and a 2–16 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. This stark contrast to the previous year’s success led many to label them as “pretenders” rather than contenders in the SEC .
The season began with high hopes, but the Gamecocks quickly faced challenges. They opened the season with a narrow 74–71 loss to North Florida, a stark contrast to their 7–0 start the previous year. Despite a seven-game winning streak that included notable victories over Boston College and No. 25 Clemson, the team struggled to maintain momentum. A 13-game losing streak in SEC play underscored their difficulties, with close losses to top-ranked teams like Auburn, Florida, and Texas A&M .
1. Inconsistent Play and Injuries
The Gamecocks’ inability to close out games was a recurring issue. They led No. 5 Florida by 13 points with under nine minutes remaining but were overtaken in the final seconds, losing 70–69. Similar close losses occurred against Ole Miss and Mississippi State in overtime, highlighting struggles in maintaining leads and finishing games .
2. Roster Changes and Departures
The offseason saw significant roster changes, including the departures of key players like Meechie Johnson and Ta’Lon Cooper. In response, head coach Lamont Paris brought in transfers such as Jamarii Thomas, a senior guard from Norfolk State, and Nick Pringle, a graduate forward from Alabama. While these additions brought experience, the team struggled to integrate new players effectively .
3. Defensive Challenges
Defensive inconsistencies plagued the Gamecocks throughout the season. They allowed opponents to score at will, leading to high-scoring games where they often found themselves on the losing end. The lack of a cohesive defensive strategy contributed to their inability to compete against higher-ranked teams.
Amid the team’s struggles, sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles emerged as a standout player. He led the Gamecocks in scoring with an average of 16.8 points per game and contributed 8.3 rebounds per game, earning him a spot on the All-SEC second team. His consistent performances provided a glimmer of hope for the future of the program .
ESPN analysts Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf suggested that the Gamecocks needed to “start fresh and reboot.” They placed South Carolina in the tier labeled “Time to Look Forward to 2025–2026,” indicating that the team should focus on rebuilding for the future rather than contending in the current season .
The Gamecocks’ disappointing season serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in college basketball. While the 2024–25 campaign was marked by setbacks, the emergence of young talents like Murray-Boyles offers hope for the future. With a focus on player development, strategic recruiting, and building team chemistry, South Carolina aims to return to its competitive form in the upcoming seasons.
