Last season, the Gamecocks finished 18-13 overall and 6th in the SEC with a 10-8 conference record. The program only hopes they can continue to build off a solid season, especially with several players returning this upcoming season.
The return of AJ Lawson was big but Coach Martin will still need a few new names to step up and provide positive minutes.
That is where we are to going dive in a little bit.
First off, the biggest addition may be the transfer of Seventh Woods from North Carolina. Now able to play after sitting out this past season, Woods will be looking to provide his biggest impact on the court for South Carolina. Woods should be a popular name as he was big-time recruit from the Columbia area before heading to North Carolina.
Now, he will not only provide his play-making skills on the offensive end, getting downhill and showing his athleticism as well as his ability to knock down a jumper but also be an important defender for this team.
Then you look at the two freshmen, both forwards and both hope to be able to provide help down low for the Gamecocks. 6'8 Ja'Von Benson brings excitement to the floor with his big reach, his mobility, his strength, and his athleticism on the floor. Benson can attack in multiple ways, facing up against defenders or finishing at the rim.
You also have 6'10 Patrick Iriel who could really be a big piece for South Carolina in the coming years. He is one that works hard on the court and is strong down low. Iriel runs the floor well and plays extremely hard, making an impact on both ends of the floor. He also can be effective scorer on the offensive end.
With the loss of Maik Kotsar, these two have a chance to carve out some early time for the Gamecocks.
South Carolina has a lot of intriguing pieces returning this upcoming season but these three new names should be part of the Gamecocks success this season.
