South Carolina Gamecocks Basketball History

Here's a quick summary of South Carolina Gamecocks basketball history.

The University of South Carolina, much like many other Southeastern Conference universities, has traditionally been regarded as a football school first and foremost. However, it should be noted that the Gamecocks men's basketball program has historically been very competitive and boasts an impressive resume of talented former players.

Conference affiliation has been slightly more erratic when it comes to the University of South Carolina as opposed to other SEC schools. The University of South Carolina is not, in fact, a founding member of the Southeastern Conference but, instead, joined the conference in 1991.

Prior to joining the SEC, the University of South Carolina competed in the Atlantic Coast Conference from 1953-1971, and then in the Metro Conference from 1983 until 1991.

The University of South Carolina has seen its share of highlights in its history. The McGuire coached squads (see more on Coach McGuire below) from 1971-1974 were among the best in the University's history, making 4 NCAA Tournaments in a row. And following a long 15 year drought, the 1989 squad returned to the NCAA Tournament and once again out South Carolina on the basketball map. Since that return to the national spotlight, South Carolina has been more frequent "dancers" in the NCAA Tournament, making appearances in 1997, 1998, and 2004.

Despite its somewhat lesser profile compared to its neighbors to the north, the University of South Carolina has nonetheless seen its fair share of extremely talented players in a Gamecocks uniform. And among those, a select few were given the honor of having their numbers retired by the University. These players included the likes of #43 Kevin Joyce, #42 Grady Wallace, #11 Johnny Roche, and most recently, #5 BJ McKie. However, among these, none was better than number 22, Alex English.

English, a 6'8" forward is regarded by many as the best to ever walk the halls of the University of South Carolina. During his 4 years at USC, Alex English started every single game (111 games in total). He averaged 17.8 points per game over his career (on 52.8% shooting), to go along with nearly 10 rebounds per game. His number 22 was retired in 1976. English is, in fact, the only former University of South Carolina player to be inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame. However, there is one more former Gamecock enshrined in Springfield.

Former University of South Carolina Head Coach Frank McGuire was inducted into the National Basketball Hall of Fame in 1977. During his tenure as Head Coach at the University of South Carolina, which spanned the years of 1965 to 1980, McGuire amassed a record of 283-142, a winning percentage of 66.6%. He is the all time winningest coach in Gamecocks history.

Among the highlights of his coaching tenure were 4 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament from 1971 to 1974, along with an Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship in 1971. In addition to the years spent at the University of South Carolina, McGuire also coached for a number of years at St. John's as well as the University of North Carolina.

• 2010-2011 South Carolina Gamecocks Basketball


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• 2007-2008 South Carolina Basketball


• Darrin Horn Biography -- South Carolina Coach


• University of South Carolina -- Columbia -- Trip


• South Carolina Gamecocks Fan Store


• College Sports Tickets


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• Southeastern Conference Basketball History


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• Origins of SEC School Colors

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