South Carolina’s shocking fall from a 26-win NCAA Tournament team in 2023 to the bottom of the SEC in 2024 is a story of roster turnover, offensive struggles, and the brutal nature of SEC basketball.
The Gamecocks entered the 2023-24 season with high expectations after a breakthrough year under head coach Lamont Paris. However, the departure of key players, including leading scorer GG Jackson to the NBA, left major holes in the lineup. Paris attempted to fill the void with transfers and freshmen, but the chemistry never clicked.
One of the biggest issues was South Carolina’s offensive inefficiency. In their tournament run, they thrived on balanced scoring and clutch shooting. This season, however, they ranked near the bottom of the SEC in points per game, field goal percentage, and three-point shooting. Opponents easily shut down their stagnant half-court sets, leading to scoring droughts that put too much pressure on their defense.
Defensively, the Gamecocks also regressed. Last year, they were a physical, disciplined team that forced turnovers and controlled the glass. This season, they struggled with defensive rotations and rebounding, allowing opponents to dominate inside and from the perimeter.
The SEC’s improvement only made things worse. Teams like Tennessee, Alabama, and Kentucky continued to recruit at an elite level, while rising programs such as Auburn and Texas A&M added depth. South Carolina, on the other hand, lacked the firepower to compete.
Injuries and a tough schedule further exposed their weaknesses. Close losses turned into frustration, and confidence eroded. By the time conference play hit full stride, the Gamecocks found themselves outmatched on most nights.
For Paris, the challenge now is rebuilding. With the transfer portal and recruiting, South Carolina must regroup quickly to avoid another disappoint
ing season.
