20 years ago today, Tarence Kinsey’s clutch 3 lifted South Carolina to a 60-57 NIT title over Saint Joseph’s. We’ll honor the ’05-’06 squads at a future SEC home game.
On this day, 20 years ago, the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball team etched its name into college basketball history with a thrilling 60-57 victory over Saint Joseph’s University in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Championship at Madison Square Garden (MSG). The defining moment? A clutch 3-pointer by Tarence Kinsey with just 1.3 seconds remaining that secured the win and brought home South Carolina’s first-ever postseason title.
This anniversary is not just a celebration of a single game or shot, but a recognition of two remarkable seasons—the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 squads—that captured back-to-back NIT championships. These teams established a legacy of resilience, skill, and heart that still resonates with Gamecock fans today.
As the program prepares to honor these legendary teams during a Saturday SEC home game next season, it is worth reflecting on the significance of those triumphs, the players who made them possible, and how those moments continue to inspire South Carolina basketball’s ongoing journey.
The Road to Madison Square Garden: The 2005 NIT Championship Season
The 2004-2005 South Carolina men’s basketball season was a year of determination and growth under head coach Dave Odom. Although the Gamecocks didn’t make the NCAA Tournament, the NIT provided a valuable postseason platform and an opportunity to prove their mettle.
South Carolina entered the 2005 NIT with a strong squad featuring talented players like Tarence Kinsey, who would emerge as a star and clutch performer. The team demonstrated a combination of physicality, defensive tenacity, and offensive balance that made them formidable opponents throughout the tournament.
Each victory in the NIT brought the Gamecocks closer to the historic chance to play on the sport’s grandest stage outside of the NCAA Tournament—Madison Square Garden. The Garden itself, steeped in basketball lore, was an intimidating yet inspiring venue for the team to showcase their skills.
The Iconic Moment: Tarence Kinsey’s Game-Winning 3-Pointer
The championship game pitted South Carolina against Saint Joseph’s, a talented squad known for its disciplined style and competitive toughness. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads and momentum.
With the score tied late in the game, the tension in MSG was palpable. As the clock wound down, the Gamecocks executed a final play that would forever define the program’s legacy. Tarence Kinsey, rising to the occasion, launched a 3-point shot with just 1.3 seconds left on the clock.
The ball swished through the net, lifting South Carolina to a 60-57 victory and securing the program’s first postseason championship. Kinsey’s clutch shot became an instant classic—a moment of triumph, skill, and sheer will that Gamecock fans would celebrate for decades.
Tarence Kinsey: The Player Behind the Shot
Tarence Kinsey’s 3-pointer was not just a lucky shot—it was the result of years of hard work, talent development, and competitive spirit. Kinsey was known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and leadership on the court. Throughout the 2004-2005 season and the NIT run, he was the team’s offensive engine and defensive disruptor.
Beyond his physical talents, Kinsey’s mental toughness set him apart. His ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver in clutch moments made him a reliable go-to player. That defining shot at MSG epitomized his confidence and dedication.
Kinsey’s impact extended beyond his college years as well. He went on to have a successful professional career in the NBA and overseas leagues, carrying with him the lessons and memories of those formative years at South Carolina.
The 2006 Back-to-Back Triumph: Cementing a Legacy
Following the historic 2005 NIT championship, the Gamecocks returned to Madison Square Garden the next year with high hopes and an experienced core of players hungry to defend their title.
The 2005-2006 season built on the momentum of the previous year. The team combined returning veterans and emerging talent to create a balanced, confident unit. Their journey through the 2006 NIT was marked by tenacity, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.
Winning back-to-back NIT championships is a rare feat in college basketball, underscoring South Carolina’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The 2006 victory reinforced the program’s growing reputation and instilled pride in the Gamecock community.
The Significance of Back-to-Back NIT Championships for South Carolina
The consecutive NIT titles were more than just trophies—they represented a turning point for the South Carolina basketball program. For years, the Gamecocks had been overshadowed by other programs, both within the SEC and nationally.
Winning these championships provided validation and a sense of identity. It showed that South Carolina could compete and win on big stages, that it had players and coaches capable of rising to the occasion. The NIT championships laid a foundation for future success and recruitment, signaling that South Carolina basketball was a program on the rise.
Fans, alumni, and players alike cherish these victories as moments of collective pride and joy. They serve as a reminder that with grit and determination, underdog teams can achieve greatness.
Honoring the ’05 and ’06 Teams: A Celebration for the Ages
As South Carolina plans to honor these legendary teams during a Saturday SEC home game next season, the anticipation is already building. This celebration will provide a special opportunity for players, coaches, and fans to come together and reflect on the journey that shaped the program’s modern era.
Honoring the ’05 and ’06 squads is not just about looking back—it is about inspiring the present and future generations of Gamecock basketball players and supporters. It reinforces the program’s commitment to excellence and the enduring power of teamwork and perseverance.
The celebration will include appearances by players, coaches, and special ceremonies recognizing the contributions and achievements of these historic teams. It will be a time for fans to relive unforgettable moments and for the university to reaffirm its dedication to athletic success.
Lessons from the Past: How the NIT Championships Influence Today’s Gamecocks
The spirit of the 2005 and 2006 NIT champions lives on in today’s South Carolina men’s basketball team. Modern players look up to the legacy left by Kinsey and his teammates, drawing inspiration from their tenacity and clutch performances.
The lessons from those seasons—resilience in adversity, unity in pursuit of a common goal, and the importance of seizing opportunities—continue to shape the team’s culture. Coaches reference the NIT championships as examples of what can be achieved with hard work and belief.
As the Gamecocks compete in the challenging SEC, the championship mindset cultivated during those historic runs remains a vital part of the team’s identity.
Looking Forward: Building on a Proud Legacy
While the 2005 and 2006 NIT championships remain a proud highlight, South Carolina men’s basketball continues to push forward, aiming for higher goals including sustained NCAA Tournament appearances and deeper runs in March Madness.
The program’s leadership is focused on building a winning culture that honors the past while embracing the future. Recruiting talented players, developing skillful athletes, and maintaining a competitive edge are ongoing priorities.
As the program grows, the lessons and memories from those NIT championship teams serve as a guiding beacon, reminding everyone involved what is possible with determination and teamwork.
Celebrating a Moment That Defined a Program
Twenty years ago today, Tarence Kinsey’s iconic 3-pointer at Madison Square Garden did more than win a game—it defined a program’s potential and carved a place in college basketball history for South Carolina.
The back-to-back NIT championships of 2005 and 2006 remain a testament to the hard work, talent, and heart of those Gamecock teams. They continue to inspire current players and fans alike, symbolizing the power of belief and perseverance.
As South Carolina prepares to honor these teams at a future SEC home game, the entire Gamecock community can reflect on a legacy that helped transform the program and continues to fuel its ambitions.
