South Carolina, Paris want more after first NCAA Tournament trip in seven years

South Carolina (26-8, 13-5 SEC)

South Carolina made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in seven years with a surprise run of success in the Southeastern Conference. Despite the transfer of leading scorer Meechie Johnson, the Gamecocks and coach Lamont Paris, behind sophomore Collin Murray-Boyles, look to get deeper in the postseason after their first-round loss a season ago.

Players to watch

Collin Murray-Boyles (sophomore F, 6-8, 10.4 ppg, 5-7 rpg). Murray-Boyles was a freshman who used his relentless style to fuel his team’s 13 wins in SEC play including victories over ranked opponents in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Cam Scott (freshman G, two-time state Gatorade Player of the Year). Scott was the No. 1 prospect in South Carolina who originally signed with Texas before getting a release and picking the Gamecocks.

South Carolina, Paris want more after first NCAA Tournament trip in seven years | iNFOnews.ca — FILE – South Carolina coach Lamont Paris watches play during the first half of the team’s NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee, March 6, 2024, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr., File)

Myles Stute (senior G, 6-6, 8.3 ppg). Stute started 17 games last season figures to up that total in his second season with the Gamecocks after transferring from Vanderbilt.

Departures and arrivals

South Carolina lost three of its top four starters from a year ago in Johnson, who transferred to Ohio State, and seniors B.J. Mack and Ta’Lon Cooper. Scott is the Gamecocks top pickup, although 7-footer Jordan Butler returned to his home state after playing a year at Missouri. Nick Pringle was on Alabama’s Final Four team last season.

Top games

South Carolina opens Nov. 4 against North Florida. It plays at Indiana on Nov. 16 and will host state rival Clemson on Dec. 17. SEC play starts at Mississippi State on Jan 4. The next two games are against Final Four team Alabama on Jan. 8 and SEC defending champion Auburn on Jan. 11.

Facts and figures

Paris is entering his third year. He received a six-year contract extension through the 2029-30 season. … South Carolina’s NCAA appearance was its first since reaching the Final Four in 2017. … The Gamecocks won a game in the SEC Tournament for the first time since 2018. … Pringle led Alabama last season in field goal percentage (62.3 percent) and dunks (40). … The Gamecocks went from 11 wins in Paris’ debut season (2022-23) to tying their mark for wins in a season (26) last year.

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