University Of South Carolina Men's Basketball Record
The University of South Carolina (USC) men's basketball team has a long and storied history that dates back nearly a century. Since the program's inception in 1908, the team has achieved numerous successes and milestones, cementing its place as one of the premier basketball programs in the country.
Notable Players
Over the years, USC has produced a number of notable basketball players who have gone on to great success both in college and in the professional ranks. Some of the team's most famous alumni include:
- John Roche - a three-time All-American who led the Gamecocks to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 1971
- Alex English - a Hall of Famer who is widely considered one of the greatest scorers in NBA history
- BJ McKie - the team's all-time leading scorer and a two-time All-SEC selection
- Zam Fredrick - a fan favorite who set the school record for most consecutive free throws made with 62
Memorable Moments
Throughout its history, the USC men's basketball team has been involved in a number of historic and unforgettable games. Here are just a few of the team's most memorable moments:
- 1971 NCAA Tournament - Led by John Roche, the Gamecocks made their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament, defeating NC State in the first round before falling to Villanova in the Sweet Sixteen
- 1997 NIT Championship - After narrowly missing out on an NCAA Tournament bid, the Gamecocks went on to win the NIT title, led by BJ McKie's 23 points in the championship game
- 2017 Final Four - In one of the most remarkable runs in NCAA Tournament history, the Gamecocks made an unexpected run to the Final Four behind the play of standout guard Sindarius Thornwell
Historic Achievements
Over the years, the USC men's basketball team has achieved a number of notable accomplishments and milestones. Some of the team's most historic achievements include:
- 1970 ACC Championship - Despite being a relative newcomer to the ACC at the time, the Gamecocks won their first-ever conference championship in just their second year in the league
- 1997 and 2005 NIT Championships - USC has won the National Invitation Tournament twice in its history, in 1997 and 2005
- 2017 Final Four - The Gamecocks' unexpected run to the Final Four in 2017 was the first in school history, and cemented their place as one of the top teams in the country that season
Conclusion
The University of South Carolina men's basketball team has a long and proud history that is steeped in tradition and success. From notable players to historic games, the team has left an indelible mark on the world of college basketball, and will continue to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.