Brad Senkiw of the Anderson Independent Mail penned a interesting story the other day pointing out, in his opinion, that the South Carolina men’s basektball program has is now third in the minds of USC fans with respect to the overall sports program. Hoops has moved behind baseball as football at USC is still the “big man on campus.” Do you agree?
I certainly agree that football is number one. Duh. It makes the most money for the sports department and brings out the most passion from the fanbase. Now to whom is in the number two slot….as bad as I hate to say it, I think he is right. I think baseball is in the number two slot in front of basketball now. USC is the defending national champions but since 2000, us the fan, could see this shift taken place. Just look to the energy around the program and its’ new home venue.
Why USC hoops moving down the ladder…well I agree with the points that the writer laid out as he noted that USC has not been to the Big Dance since 2004 and has not won a NCAA tourney games since 1974. That right there is the reason there is no excitement in the hoops program. Winning produces excitement and fans love being part of or watching winning. (Not the Charlie Sheen type here).
As Brad said, ” The Gamecocks were a force in the 1960s and ’70s under legendary coach Frank McGuire, even winning an ACC championship. And Eddie Fogler won an SEC regular season title in 1997.” USC need to begin to demand better. Eric Hyman, the A.D., needs to demand better. Horn as the Coach should demand better. I as the fan, demands better.
USC men’s basketball needs to get back to their winning ways as they have the ability to do it. Don’t tell me they can not recruit due to “Tobacco road” as all you have to do is look at Georgia and/or Clemson to see that there are plenty of basketball players to go around. USC has the venue and a great school. Now it is time to get after it. No reason USC can not compete at a high-level each year in the SEC.
What are your thoughts…do you agree hoops is #3 at USC?
