doublea1971
GCF Top Poster
Just for grins, since there have been three transfer/portal announcements, I thought it might be interesting to review what the Gamecocks Men's Basketball team could look like next year. Where are our strengths/weaknesses?
First, the Seniors... these are the guys who typically excel in a Frank Martin system because they have had 3 (or more) solid years of development and know the "ins and outs" of Coach Martin's playbook. Think about the leap in abilities for guys like Chris Silva, Maik Kotsar, Sindarius Thornwell and Duane Notice. Currently expected to return are:
1.) Justin Minaya - Defensive stalwart. Was considered the "backbone" of the Gamecocks squad his Sophomore, RS Sophomore and Junior years. Significant time away from the game most years due to injury (only played in 5 games his Sophomore year - Knee injury, 9 games in his Redshirt Sophomore year - hand injury). IMHO, the two years away from the game alongside COVID-induced time away from the game in 2020-21 was the culprit for the fall off from his Freshman year play (7.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 26.9 minutes per game/6.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest in league play).
[SIZE= 14px]Honorable mention: AJ Lawson. (I am putting AJ here, because we all know what he's [/SIZE]capable of, and I also expect that he'll find his way into a professional contract of some kind this year).[SIZE= 14px] [/SIZE]
[SIZE= 14px]Now the rising Juniors...[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 14px]This is the class that seemed to be stable... Frank Martin had recruited a large group of guys who came in together as Freshmen, impressed in their Freshmen year, but then covid hit. Now, we've got three of the 6 in the portal. Here's what we're left with:[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 14px]1.) [/SIZE]Trey Anderson[SIZE= 14px] - Trey was recruited and known as a "shooter". Of all of the guys coming in as Freshmen, he was supposed to be the dead-eye three point shooter, with a great touch from within 15 feet. For one reason or another his Freshman year he didn't see much floor time, so his skillset (which was praised by teammates in practice) wasn't exhibited to the fans. Enter the Sophomore campaign, and he sees the floor in 13 games, with a start included in the mix. It seems however, that Trey is not [/SIZE]doing[SIZE= 14px] something right because after the start, Nathan Nelson took playing time away from Trey. With a "shooter" going 2-8 from behind the arc, and a mere 14 FGs made, there seems to be something amiss.[/SIZE]
1.) Ja'Von Benson and
2.) Tre-Vaughn Minott
I think many fans anticipated seeing a lot more of Javon Benson in 2020-21, but after reading up on his recruiting, it was clear to me that he was recruited for the future. (His coach actually said in one article I read that he "needed seasoning" to be ready for SEC play). Benson is a big body, and potentially another bruiser (in the vein of Alanzo Frink) to move into the mix. But he's a big unknown at this point, and he's also another potential for transfer/appearance in the portal.
Minott, on the other hand, DID begin appearing in games at the end of the season. It was quite apparent that he was not in game shape, but the upside on him was enormous... he seems to LOVE to take the ball to the hoop, regardless of who he's facing. He's got a pretty nice shooting touch, and he uses the glass to his advantage. I have to say that I really like the trio of Frink, Leveque and Minott. If Frank goes to a taller lineup (with two of those three playing alongside each other - say for instance with Frink at forward and Minott at center, or Leveque at center and Frink at forward), the Gamecocks look very good at the "big" positions.
- - - -
So what does that leave?
Incoming Freshmen and Seventh Woods, who might return under the NCAA covid-season rules. I'm still a fan of Woods, though he had a disappointing campaign this year. He would show moments of brilliance and then go two-three games where he couldn't find his brain. I truly think that he's simply a case of overly high expectations coming out of HS, and then going and playing for one of the "blue blood" programs. Roy Williams could not say enough nice things about Seventh, but injuries seemed to hamper his time at UNC. In my estimation, it is what is going on between the ears with Seventh that is holding him back. Most of the fundamentals of his game are there and being executed well. It's simply his decision making that is hampering his play. When he's in the game flow, and not over thinking things... he seems to have those games where the sky is the limit. It's the assist/turnover ratio that was problematic for Seventh. Cut down on the turnovers, and his play looks a lot more rosy. Long story short... I hope he returns to the 'Cocks next year. We're short-handed at the PG position now, with both Moss and Hannibal leaving for greener pastures. Seventh Woods brings a LOT of experience and potential for a "break out" season if he returns.
As to the Freshmen, I'm biggest (no pun intended) on Carlous Williams. He was being courted by some of the well known programs (Ms. State, Baylor, etc.) and has an interesting tool set. TaQuan Woodley is another interesting prospect, simply because of his decommitment from Penn State and returning to the 'Cocks (who had heavily recruited him along the way), but I've not seen much yet to make me look for a lot from him as a Freshman. Jacobi Wright and Devin Carter will see some time as Freshmen simply because of the dearth of players at PG/SG right now.
Will Frank Martin see other current Gamecocks hit the portal? Will he have the opportunity to pull a recruit (or two) from the portal? That remains to be seen.
I remain optimistic, however, that we have a solid squad returning. Having 4 rising seniors in the system helps A LOT, especially when one of them is Keyshawn Bryant who has improved his game by leaps and bounds from his "athletic" start as a Freshman.
What are your thoughts/comments?
First, the Seniors... these are the guys who typically excel in a Frank Martin system because they have had 3 (or more) solid years of development and know the "ins and outs" of Coach Martin's playbook. Think about the leap in abilities for guys like Chris Silva, Maik Kotsar, Sindarius Thornwell and Duane Notice. Currently expected to return are:
1.) Justin Minaya - Defensive stalwart. Was considered the "backbone" of the Gamecocks squad his Sophomore, RS Sophomore and Junior years. Significant time away from the game most years due to injury (only played in 5 games his Sophomore year - Knee injury, 9 games in his Redshirt Sophomore year - hand injury). IMHO, the two years away from the game alongside COVID-induced time away from the game in 2020-21 was the culprit for the fall off from his Freshman year play (7.9 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 26.9 minutes per game/6.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest in league play).
- [SIZE= 14px]Justin is a bit of a "wild card" for the 2021-22 'Cocks. His outside shooting was atrocious in 2021-21, and his defense was a shadow of what it was during prior years. That being said, I think Justin can be an INCREDIBLY valuable role-player. He's also coming into his 5th year of time under Frank Martin's system, thanks to the redshirt season. Typical form for most players is that they excel in their Senior campaign. In my estimation, Justin will be the same. The funny thing [/SIZE]about[SIZE= 14px] Justin this past season, which was easy to miss, is that he led the team in rebounding (his total was highest, and he led in both Offensive and Defensive rebounds). I expect good things from him as a returning upperclassman.[/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 14px]Alanzo is a case of "what if". His ceiling seemed to be quite high going in to the 2020-21 season, but the mysterious "medical issue" put an end to that quickly. Alanzo has [/SIZE]found himself in and out of Frank's doghouse over the years, but he's a HUGE body... doesn't get pushed around when he's near the basket. Frink's shooting touch has improved dramatically, so he's gonna get his during game time. If he improves his FT shooting, I think that Frink can be a force to recon with in his Senior year. The added benefit of him returning is that it gives time for Leveque and Minott to develop well. Frink also seems to be a pretty vocal leader on the squad, and can likely help those two develop their game even more.
- [SIZE= 14px]Assuming Keyshawn returns, look out. This kid has all the tools to REALLY impact the game in his senior year. He's been working diligently on all aspects of his game, and the one remaining piece is being able to play both to his right and to his left. Teams have scouted him well and know his tendencies. If he can work out that portion of his abilities and add that one last tool to his toolbelt... Let's just say I expect Keyshawn to wow in not only the "high flying", but also in the [/SIZE]scoring totals.
[SIZE= 14px]Honorable mention: AJ Lawson. (I am putting AJ here, because we all know what he's [/SIZE]capable of, and I also expect that he'll find his way into a professional contract of some kind this year).[SIZE= 14px] [/SIZE]
[SIZE= 14px]Now the rising Juniors...[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 14px]This is the class that seemed to be stable... Frank Martin had recruited a large group of guys who came in together as Freshmen, impressed in their Freshmen year, but then covid hit. Now, we've got three of the 6 in the portal. Here's what we're left with:[/SIZE]
[SIZE= 14px]1.) [/SIZE]Trey Anderson[SIZE= 14px] - Trey was recruited and known as a "shooter". Of all of the guys coming in as Freshmen, he was supposed to be the dead-eye three point shooter, with a great touch from within 15 feet. For one reason or another his Freshman year he didn't see much floor time, so his skillset (which was praised by teammates in practice) wasn't exhibited to the fans. Enter the Sophomore campaign, and he sees the floor in 13 games, with a start included in the mix. It seems however, that Trey is not [/SIZE]doing[SIZE= 14px] something right because after the start, Nathan Nelson took playing time away from Trey. With a "shooter" going 2-8 from behind the arc, and a mere 14 FGs made, there seems to be something amiss.[/SIZE]
- [SIZE= 14px]Honestly, I do not expect Trey to return to the Gamecocks for 2021-22. I've been saying for quite some time that he's one of the likely candidates for the portal. I think that Frank Martin gave him opportunities this season to showcase his skillset for exactly that purpose... to encourage Trey moving on by way of the portal. Should he return, my guess is that he's still mostly a role player/fill-in to give some rest to starters.[/SIZE]
- Jermaine is not the loudest voice on the floor, but I fully expect him to be very disappointed with his year this season and to come back and be the vocal leader that Coach Martin wants him to be. Even more importantly, I think Jermaine is capable of (and will provide) the ball handling duties and high scoring that we will need from a PG. Consider Jermaine as the "franchise face" of the Gamecocks (alongside Keyshawn Bryant) of the squad in 2021-22.
- I can be really down on Wildens at times, but overall, I think he could actually live up to the hype and be a player in the mold of Chris Silva. His progression from his Freshman season to the strange winding road covid put us in during 2020-21 was quite impressive. I anticipate him being pushed hard to improve his back-to-the-basket play. If he can develop an off of one shoulder shooting move, the rest of what he does looks good. Great footwork for a big, good hands for catching the ball, and a great eye for passing... he truly has started to look a bit like Silva at the same point in Silva's career. If he progresses the same way... look out, we have another NBA prospect on our hands.
1.) Ja'Von Benson and
2.) Tre-Vaughn Minott
I think many fans anticipated seeing a lot more of Javon Benson in 2020-21, but after reading up on his recruiting, it was clear to me that he was recruited for the future. (His coach actually said in one article I read that he "needed seasoning" to be ready for SEC play). Benson is a big body, and potentially another bruiser (in the vein of Alanzo Frink) to move into the mix. But he's a big unknown at this point, and he's also another potential for transfer/appearance in the portal.
Minott, on the other hand, DID begin appearing in games at the end of the season. It was quite apparent that he was not in game shape, but the upside on him was enormous... he seems to LOVE to take the ball to the hoop, regardless of who he's facing. He's got a pretty nice shooting touch, and he uses the glass to his advantage. I have to say that I really like the trio of Frink, Leveque and Minott. If Frank goes to a taller lineup (with two of those three playing alongside each other - say for instance with Frink at forward and Minott at center, or Leveque at center and Frink at forward), the Gamecocks look very good at the "big" positions.
- - - -
So what does that leave?
Incoming Freshmen and Seventh Woods, who might return under the NCAA covid-season rules. I'm still a fan of Woods, though he had a disappointing campaign this year. He would show moments of brilliance and then go two-three games where he couldn't find his brain. I truly think that he's simply a case of overly high expectations coming out of HS, and then going and playing for one of the "blue blood" programs. Roy Williams could not say enough nice things about Seventh, but injuries seemed to hamper his time at UNC. In my estimation, it is what is going on between the ears with Seventh that is holding him back. Most of the fundamentals of his game are there and being executed well. It's simply his decision making that is hampering his play. When he's in the game flow, and not over thinking things... he seems to have those games where the sky is the limit. It's the assist/turnover ratio that was problematic for Seventh. Cut down on the turnovers, and his play looks a lot more rosy. Long story short... I hope he returns to the 'Cocks next year. We're short-handed at the PG position now, with both Moss and Hannibal leaving for greener pastures. Seventh Woods brings a LOT of experience and potential for a "break out" season if he returns.
As to the Freshmen, I'm biggest (no pun intended) on Carlous Williams. He was being courted by some of the well known programs (Ms. State, Baylor, etc.) and has an interesting tool set. TaQuan Woodley is another interesting prospect, simply because of his decommitment from Penn State and returning to the 'Cocks (who had heavily recruited him along the way), but I've not seen much yet to make me look for a lot from him as a Freshman. Jacobi Wright and Devin Carter will see some time as Freshmen simply because of the dearth of players at PG/SG right now.
Will Frank Martin see other current Gamecocks hit the portal? Will he have the opportunity to pull a recruit (or two) from the portal? That remains to be seen.
I remain optimistic, however, that we have a solid squad returning. Having 4 rising seniors in the system helps A LOT, especially when one of them is Keyshawn Bryant who has improved his game by leaps and bounds from his "athletic" start as a Freshman.
What are your thoughts/comments?
?
