Gamecocks 2022, part IV

[JonathanXIV]

Gamecock fans, perhaps you can share your knowledge and insights. I view South Carolina as the most formidable (but not only) obstacle in the path of UConn winning title number 12. And while I watch the Huskies religiously, I have only seen the Gamecocks on a couple of occasions. As we were prepare for the tournament, I was hoping you could answer some questions about your team.

- I view South Carolina's greatest advantage as its rebounding. Has any team been able to neutralize South Carolina on the boards, or at least keep them off the offensive glass?

- UConn has been very aggressive defensively since everyone has gotten healthy and forcing opposing teams to start their offensive sets far away from the basket. In thinking about how this might work against South Carolina, my sense is that South Carolina is very quick at the guard position and that they will not be easily "bottled up" by a trapping, switching defense. Do I have that right?

- Both UConn and South Carolina had very heralded freshman classes coming into this season. UConn has gotten significant contributions from two of its freshmen, Fudd and Ducharme. How much have South Carolina's freshman contributed this season and which ones, if any, can be expected to see significant roles in the tournament?

- While South Carolina has an advantage in rebounding, UConn would seem to have the better shooters, particularly from the 3 point line. UConn shoots significantly more from 3 than the Gamecocks, and with greater accuracy. In practice, has South Carolina been handicapped or held back by its outside shooting?

I'd be interested in the thoughts of the intelligent South Carolina posters who frequent the Boneyard. I'd be happy to provide my thoughts on the Huskies, but I suspect that you know far more about UConn than I do about South Carolina. Thanks in advance. Hope to see you in the Final Four.

 

[WiseOne]

Gamecock fans, perhaps you can share your knowledge and insights. I view South Carolina as the most formidable (but not only) obstacle in the path of UConn winning title number 12. And while I watch the Huskies religiously, I have only seen the Gamecocks on a couple of occasions. As we were prepare for the tournament, I was hoping you could answer some questions about your team.

- I view South Carolina's greatest advantage as its rebounding. Has any team been able to neutralize South Carolina on the boards, or at least keep them off the offensive glass?

- UConn has been very aggressive defensively since everyone has gotten healthy and forcing opposing teams to start their offensive sets far away from the basket. In thinking about how this might work against South Carolina, my sense is that South Carolina is very quick at the guard position and that they will not be easily "bottled up" by a trapping, switching defense. Do I have that right?

- Both UConn and South Carolina had very heralded freshman classes coming into this season. UConn has gotten significant contributions from two of its freshmen, Fudd and Ducharme. How much have South Carolina's freshman contributed this season and which ones, if any, can be expected to see significant roles in the tournament?

- While South Carolina has an advantage in rebounding, UConn would seem to have the better shooters, particularly from the 3 point line. UConn shoots significantly more from 3 than the Gamecocks, and with greater accuracy. In practice, has South Carolina been handicapped or held back by its outside shooting?

I'd be interested in the thoughts of the intelligent South Carolina posters who frequent the Boneyard. I'd be happy to provide my thoughts on the Huskies, but I suspect that you know far more about UConn than I do about South Carolina. Thanks in advance. Hope to see you in the Final Four.

Honestly I don’t even think it should be a topic of discussion right now…do you understand how many games these two teams have to play before thinking about this??? I can’t tell you what to post but can we at least wait a couple weeks and see how this tournament plays out??? There’s no guarantee either team will make the final four so let’s take this one game at a time!!! Talking about counting the eggs before they hatch…best of luck to both teams!!!! I’m done!

 

[Cornell Lt]

Honestly I don’t even think it should be a topic of discussion right now…do you understand how many games these two teams have to play before thinking about this??? I can’t tell you what to post but can we at least wait a couple weeks and see how this tournament plays out??? There’s no guarantee either team will make the final four so let’s take this one game at a time!!! Talking about counting the eggs before they hatch…best of luck to both teams!!!! I’m done!

All you had to do was read and move on if you were somehow offended. Now your the one who looks , well you figure it out !!!!!!!!

 

[JonathanXIV]

Honestly I don’t even think it should be a topic of discussion right now…do you understand how many games these two teams have to play before thinking about this??? I can’t tell you what to post but can we at least wait a couple weeks and see how this tournament plays out??? There’s no guarantee either team will make the final four so let’s take this one game at a time!!! Talking about counting the eggs before they hatch…best of luck to both teams!!!! I’m done!

Sorry if I put you out. Frankly, I've engaged in this discussion at the beginning of the year. I find the similarities and differences between UConn and South Carolina really interesting. Both teams present match up problems for the other. As I've written before, I'd love to see an NBA-style 7 game series between the two teams.

 

[GamecockFam]

- I view South Carolina's greatest advantage as its rebounding. Has any team been able to neutralize South Carolina on the boards, or at least keep them off the offensive glass?

Off the top of my head I cannot think of any team that neutralized our rebounding abilities. Possibly Stanford? I believe we out-rebounded every team that we played.

- UConn has been very aggressive defensively since everyone has gotten healthy and forcing opposing teams to start their offensive sets far away from the basket. In thinking about how this might work against South Carolina, my sense is that South Carolina is very quick at the guard position and that they will not be easily "bottled up" by a trapping, switching defense. Do I have that right?

We have not had an issue with this all season even with Destanni on the bench.

- Both UConn and South Carolina had very heralded freshman classes coming into this season. UConn has gotten significant contributions from two of its freshmen, Fudd and Ducharme. How much have South Carolina's freshman contributed this season and which ones, if any, can be expected to see significant roles in the tournament?

I would say that both Bree Hall and Saniya Rivers provide quality minutes. Their time on the court seems to diminish with the higher ranked opponents. I think Dawn trusts Bree Hall the most. She gets the most minutes. There is very little drop-off on defense for either player. Rivers has flashes of that quick twitch speed that will make her a nightmare to defend but she still struggles reading the defense, and gets into bad situations. Bree Hall has a decent 3-point shot and isn't afraid to attack the basket. I feel like she takes pointers from Zia because her game is progressing very similarly.

- While South Carolina has an advantage in rebounding, UConn would seem to have the better shooters, particularly from the 3 point line. UConn shoots significantly more from 3 than the Gamecocks, and with greater accuracy. In practice, has South Carolina been handicapped or held back by its outside shooting?

Destanni is the main 3-point threat. Both she and Zia tend to shoot at a higher percentage than their average when the stakes are high. Otherwise, we have players that can shoot the three (Bree Beal, Boston, Hall) but it isn't a main part of their game. Destiny Littleton is our 3-point specialist but she rarely gets minutes because she is a defensive liability.

 

[GoChips20]

Gamecock fans, perhaps you can share your knowledge and insights. I view South Carolina as the most formidable (but not only) obstacle in the path of UConn winning title number 12. And while I watch the Huskies religiously, I have only seen the Gamecocks on a couple of occasions. As we were prepare for the tournament, I was hoping you could answer some questions about your team.

- I view South Carolina's greatest advantage as its rebounding. Has any team been able to neutralize South Carolina on the boards, or at least keep them off the offensive glass?

- UConn has been very aggressive defensively since everyone has gotten healthy and forcing opposing teams to start their offensive sets far away from the basket. In thinking about how this might work against South Carolina, my sense is that South Carolina is very quick at the guard position and that they will not be easily "bottled up" by a trapping, switching defense. Do I have that right?

- Both UConn and South Carolina had very heralded freshman classes coming into this season. UConn has gotten significant contributions from two of its freshmen, Fudd and Ducharme. How much have South Carolina's freshman contributed this season and which ones, if any, can be expected to see significant roles in the tournament?

- While South Carolina has an advantage in rebounding, UConn would seem to have the better shooters, particularly from the 3 point line. UConn shoots significantly more from 3 than the Gamecocks, and with greater accuracy. In practice, has South Carolina been handicapped or held back by its outside shooting?

I'd be interested in the thoughts of the intelligent South Carolina posters who frequent the Boneyard. I'd be happy to provide my thoughts on the Huskies, but I suspect that you know far more about UConn than I do about South Carolina. Thanks in advance. Hope to see you in the Final Four.

I think it’s an interesting conversation to have!

Stanford and Georgia out-rebounded SC by 2 apiece, although the latter came without LA and Cardoso (Georgia doesn’t win that board battle with them playing). Stanford is the one team I’ve seen that can hang with SC on the boards. I think UConn would need to keep it within 8 to stay in the game, although the Huskies most certainly have an advantage shooting the basketball. (There are, of course, metrics SC would need to close gaps on to keep themselves in the game, too).

Our guards are quick. You don’t want to press Henderson because she’ll take you off the dribble and is probably the fastest P5 guard in the country. SC isn’t outstanding with ball security but it’s not usually a glaring issue, although it has been at times. It’s easy to play down those types of things when you’re winning games. Someone should keep me honest on the numbers, but I don’t think turnovers have been a major factor in either loss this year.

The poster above said it nicely with regard to the freshman. I think many, myself included, expected more of an offensive punch from them, but Johnson is hurt and perhaps it would have been different with her. Hall has been a pleasant surprise. She was the least heralded of the freshmen but has been the most impactful. Rivers has all the intangibles of a future elite college player but her shot needs some work as she hasn’t found the net much this year. Still, her court vision is outstanding. If you’re worried about reinforcements off the bench, Amihere and Cardoso are the ones to be concerned about.

SC hasn’t so much been handicapped by its outside shooting as its overall shooting. For a team with such supremely athletic players, we miss a ton of layups. I can’t believe I am saying this, but Czinano of Iowa is a great model for our posts offensively. She’s nearly automatic. We miss a lot of close-range shots, but we rebound so well that they’re usually going back up and in. That’s a problem against teams who can be even pseudo-competitive rebounding the ball. Cooke and Henderson aren’t bombers, but they are dependable from the arc and seem to shoot well from there when the moment calls. Speaking generally, SC lacks a consistent midrange game. Only Boston, Cooke, and Henderson look to regularly shoot in between the arc and the paint, although Saxton has started to take and make more form there. You are correct that UConn has the shooting advantage 9 times out of 10.

What South Carolina does well, they do better than anyone else. The problem, to the extent it’s a problem, is we have a lot of 34 and 37% shooting games where we can’t throw it in the ocean. Usually our defense, rebounding, physicality, and ball security are enough to close the deal. Not always. In both the Missouri and Kentucky losses, I thought our late-game defense lacked intensity and precision. That won’t be a bigger problem against any team in the country than it will against UConn.

 

[JonathanXIV]

Thanks for the insights. You have filled in some gaps in my understanding of SC and confirmed my impressions of your team. If UConn and South Carolina meet again this season, I'm confident it will be a much more interesting game than from early in the season. Should be a heckuva match up. Good luck to the Gamecocks (with the obvious caveat).

 

[JDuro]

 

[ConwayGmck]

Gamecock fans, perhaps you can share your knowledge and insights. I view South Carolina as the most formidable (but not only) obstacle in the path of UConn winning title number 12. And while I watch the Huskies religiously, I have only seen the Gamecocks on a couple of occasions. As we were prepare for the tournament, I was hoping you could answer some questions about your team.

Let's look at the season stats for both South Carolina and Connecticut this season, and their national rankings:

South Carolina
Connecticut

Scoring Offense:

CT: 23 (74.8 ppg)
SC: 54 (71.3 ppg)

Scoring Defense:

SC: 4 (51.7 ppg)
CT: 12 (54.2 ppg)

Scoring Margin:

CT: 2 (20.6 ppg)
SC: 4 (19.6 ppg)

Rebounds Per Game:

SC: 3 (47.65 rpg)
CT: 94 (38.67 rpg)

Rebound Margin:

SC: 1 (17.2 rpg)
CT: 23 (7.3 rpg)

Blocked Shots Per Game:

SC: 1 (7.8 bpg)
CT: 29 (4.7 bpg)

Steals Per Game:

CT: 58 (9.3 spg)
SC: 294 (6.3 spg)

Assists Per Game:

CT: 5 (18.8 apg)
SC: 99 (14.2 apg)

Assists to Turnover Ratio:

CT: 9 (1.33)
SC: 97 (0.97)

FG Percentage:

CT: 2 (48.9%)
SC: 45 (43.4%)

FG Percentage Defense:

SC: 1 (33.0%)
CT: 14 (35.2%)

3-Pt. FG Percentage:

CT: 48 (34.1%)
SC: 126 (31.6%)

3-Pt. FG Percentage Defense:

SC: 23 (27.0%)
CT: 65 (28.4%)

Fewest Fouls Per Game:

CT: 79 (14.1 fpg)
SC: 111 (14.6 fpg)

Turnovers Forced:

CT: 160 (16.10)
SC: 314 (13.43)

- I view South Carolina's greatest advantage as its rebounding. Has any team been able to neutralize South Carolina on the boards, or at least keep them off the offensive glass?

Not really. There have been teams that have been able to match up well and be competitive against South Carolina in rebounding this season - NC State was out-rebounded 35-30 in the season opener for both teams, but that was one of the more competitive totals by the end of the game, and one of the games where the Gamecocks weren't able to have a large rebounding margin. As mentioned above Stanford out-rebounded the Gamecocks 40-38 in their game, and Georgia as well 37-35. Both were games where not only were the Gamecocks out-rebounded, but were kept at a relatively low rebounding total as well, which means it wasn't just a mad rebound-fest of poor shooting games, but the Gamecocks were actually held below their average by solid post play. The regular-season ending game with Ole Miss, the Rebels also did a good job competitively even though the Gamecocks won the battle of the boards 42-35.

- UConn has been very aggressive defensively since everyone has gotten healthy and forcing opposing teams to start their offensive sets far away from the basket. In thinking about how this might work against South Carolina, my sense is that South Carolina is very quick at the guard position and that they will not be easily "bottled up" by a trapping, switching defense. Do I have that right?

The Gamecock guards are very quick, and per se "bottling" them up will be difficult. However both have also been prone to bad turnover games and rushing themselves as they elude pressure defenses or try to pass out of them, so a pressure defense could still be effective. This is something our perimeter players will need to try and keep at a minimum.

- Both UConn and South Carolina had very heralded freshman classes coming into this season. UConn has gotten significant contributions from two of its freshmen, Fudd and Ducharme. How much have South Carolina's freshman contributed this season and which ones, if any, can be expected to see significant roles in the tournament?

Their contributions have been minimal at best, although they have shown flashes of their talent and what the future brings. This was a different environment this #1 class came into in Columbia, SC compared to the Aliyah Boston #1 class, where not only were there openings for starting positions, but a desperate need for the freshmen to step up and take those positions. Coming into this season, all starting spots plus several #2 spots off the bench were already full of very talented veterans, so the latest class has had to be patient and find their roles. Also unlike with Connecticut unfortunately for them, South Carolina hasn't had any major injury issues this season: the only substantial one actually involved one of the freshmen. Next season should open up more opportunities to make statements, but they haven't shown any indication that they won't capitalize on them.

- While South Carolina has an advantage in rebounding, UConn would seem to have the better shooters, particularly from the 3 point line. UConn shoots significantly more from 3 than the Gamecocks, and with greater accuracy. In practice, has South Carolina been handicapped or held back by its outside shooting?

Yes, but the "handicap" may not be what you think. Lets dive into the stats for each team:

The following are South Carolina's season stats, divided into out-of-conference games and conference games. These sets of stats are NOT as accurate as they could be, because at this stage of the season, a number of "non-conference" games are actually conference games - they are conference TOURNAMENT games that came after the regular season had concluded. But the numbers are still informative:

South Carolina (16 SEC Conference games; 16 out-of-conference games):

In Conf./Out of Conf.:

Scoring O: 71.7 ppg/ 71.4 ppg
Scoring D: 51.2 ppg/ 50.2 ppg
Scoring Margin: 20.5 ppg/ 21.2 ppg
Rebounding/Gm: 48.9 rpg/ 47.7 rpg
Rebounding Margin: 17.6 rpg/ 18.1 rpg
Assists/Gm: 13.9 apg/ 14.8 apg
Steals/Gm: 5.3 spg/ 7.7 spg
Blocked Shots/Gm: 7.3 bpg/ 8.1 bpg
Fouls/Gm: 12.7 fpg/ 14.2 fpg
Turnovers/Gm: 13.6 tpg/ 15.7 tpg
Forced Turnovers/Gm: 11.6/ 15.3
FG %: .434/ .428
FG % D: .325/ .324
3-Pt. FG %: .305/ .311
3-Pt. FG % D: .259/ .273

South Carolina played what was the overall #1 ranked NET, #1 ranked RPI, and #1 ranked SOS schedule in 2021-22 per Warren Nolan. Their out-of-conference SOS was ranked #3 by Nolan. The SEC by comparison was the #1 ranked NET, #1 ranked RPI, and #1 ranked SOS conference.

By looking at the statistical numbers, it looks like most projections for South Carolina's schedule is close to accurate. There are very little if any disparities in production for non-conference games as opposed to conference games. Typically for SEC teams, one generally sees a decline in stats from their non-conference levels once the conference schedule kicks in: teams and staffs are far more familiar with each other, games are played at a more consistent rate per week, and the gold carrot of conference standings and awards give added meaning and importance to the games. Typically, non-conference games are played to prepare the teams FOR the conference schedule, so that says it all right there.

With South Carolina's stats, we see slight declines in most stats for conference games, but mostly the production is quite similar from each group.



Connecticut (17 Big East Conference games; 13 out-of-conference games):

In Conf./Out of Conf.:

Scoring O: 78.4 ppg/ 70.1 ppg
Scoring D: 50.8 ppg/ 58.6 ppg
Scoring Margin: 27.6 ppg/ 11.5 ppg
Rebounding/Gm: 39.1 rpg/ 38.1 rpg
Rebounding Margin: 8.8 rpg/ 5.3 rpg
Assists/Gm: 19.9 apg/ 17.4 apg
Steals/Gm: 11.0 spg/ 7.1 spg
Blocked Shots/Gm: 5.2 bpg/ 4.1 bpg
Fouls/Gm: 13.1 fpg/ 14.2 fpg
Turnovers/Gm: 13.3 tpg/ 15.2 tpg
Forced Turnovers/Gm: 17.9/ 13.8
FG %: .503/ .471
FG % D: .342/ .365
3-Pt. FG %: .340/ .343
3-Pt. FG % D: .257/ .318

Connecticut played what was the #4 ranked NET schedule, #7 ranked RPI, and #28-ranked SOS schedule per Nolan. Their out-of-conference schedule was ranked #1 per Nolan. The Big East has the #8 conference NET ranking, the #8 RPI ranking, and the #7 SOS ranking.

With Connecticut, the stats tell a different story. During their years in the American Athletic Conference and now in the Big East, they have regularly scheduled some of the strongest out-of-conference schedules. Therefore, as has been typical with the Huskies' seasons, we see the noticeable uptick in production once they moved into conference play (remember the FIRST set of stats are for Big East play). This season's statistics are no different.

Connecticut has averaged 8.3 points per game (ppg) more versus Big East opponents than they have against everyone else, and allowed 7.8 ppg fewer points from them. As a result, their Scoring Margin went from 11.5 ppg during the non-conference season, to an eye-popping 27.6 ppg margin during conference play.

Most other numbers were not that drastic, but still across the board improved once they moved into Big East play. And as a result, their overall statistics improved throughout the season. Should one compare Connecticut's non-conference stats with South Carolina's non-conference stats, they would see that South Carolina had the better scoring average while allowing fewer points scored, the better rebounding, blocked shot, and steal averages. CT had the better shooting average from the field and 3-pt line, but allowed an equal increase in opponents' shooting average which cancels those stats out.

Of course, this is comparing apples with oranges. South Carolina and Connecticut did NOT play the same non-conference schedules against the same non-conference opponents. And Connecticut did deal with the more impacting injuries to key players this season. But Bueckers only played in three (3) Big East conference regular-season games. She actually played more games during the non-conference portion of the schedule.

What would the Big East Conference stats had looked like if Paige was available for more of those games? In the 3 BE games she appeared in, CT averaged 85.0 ppg. In the 4 non-conference Bueckers played in, CT averaged 74.6 ppg and allowed 63.4 ppg. Compared with South Carolina's 71.4 and 50.2, for a scoring margin of 11.2 to USC's margin of 21.2.

But again, it is apples to oranges. But if we're going to make statements of "UConn would seem to have the better shooters, particularly from the 3 point line. UConn shoots significantly more from 3 than the Gamecocks, and with greater accuracy", then we're kinda forced to make those comparisons. About the ONLY thing I can readily agree with, is that CT shoots more from the 3 than South Carolina does.....

 

[visitingcock]

Let's look at the season stats for both South Carolina and Connecticut this season, and their national rankings:

South Carolina
Connecticut

Scoring Offense:

CT: 23 (74.8 ppg)
SC: 54 (71.3 ppg)

Scoring Defense:

SC: 4 (51.7 ppg)
CT: 12 (54.2 ppg)

Scoring Margin:

CT: 2 (20.6 ppg)
SC: 4 (19.6 ppg)

Rebounds Per Game:

SC: 3 (47.65 rpg)
CT: 94 (38.67 rpg)

Rebound Margin:

SC: 1 (17.2 rpg)
CT: 23 (7.3 rpg)

Blocked Shots Per Game:

SC: 1 (7.8 bpg)
CT: 29 (4.7 bpg)

Steals Per Game:

CT: 58 (9.3 spg)
SC: 294 (6.3 spg)

Assists Per Game:

CT: 5 (18.8 apg)
SC: 99 (14.2 apg)

Assists to Turnover Ratio:

CT: 9 (1.33)
SC: 97 (0.97)

FG Percentage:

CT: 2 (48.9%)
SC: 45 (43.4%)

FG Percentage Defense:

SC: 1 (33.0%)
CT: 14 (35.2%)

3-Pt. FG Percentage:

CT: 48 (34.1%)
SC: 126 (31.6%)

3-Pt. FG Percentage Defense:

SC: 23 (27.0%)
CT: 65 (28.4%)

Fewest Fouls Per Game:

CT: 79 (14.1 fpg)
SC: 111 (14.6 fpg)

Turnovers Forced:

CT: 160 (16.10)
SC: 314 (13.43)





Not really. There have been teams that have been able to match up well and be competitive against South Carolina in rebounding this season - NC State was out-rebounded 35-30 in the season opener for both teams, but that was one of the more competitive totals by the end of the game, and one of the games where the Gamecocks weren't able to have a large rebounding margin. As mentioned above Stanford out-rebounded the Gamecocks 40-38 in their game, and Georgia as well 37-35. Both were games where not only were the Gamecocks out-rebounded, but were kept at a relatively low rebounding total as well, which means it wasn't just a mad rebound-fest of poor shooting games, but the Gamecocks were actually held below their average by solid post play. The regular-season ending game with Ole Miss, the Rebels also did a good job competitively even though the Gamecocks won the battle of the boards 42-35.




The Gamecock guards are very quick, and per se "bottling" them up will be difficult. However both have also been prone to bad turnover games and rushing themselves as they elude pressure defenses or try to pass out of them, so a pressure defense could still be effective. This is something our perimeter players will need to try and keep at a minimum.



Their contributions have been minimal at best, although they have shown flashes of their talent and what the future brings. This was a different environment this #1 class came into in Columbia, SC compared to the Aliyah Boston #1 class, where not only were there openings for starting positions, but a desperate need for the freshmen to step up and take those positions. Coming into this season, all starting spots plus several #2 spots off the bench were already full of very talented veterans, so the latest class has had to be patient and find their roles. Also unlike with Connecticut unfortunately for them, South Carolina hasn't had any major injury issues this season: the only substantial one actually involved one of the freshmen. Next season should open up more opportunities to make statements, but they haven't shown any indication that they won't capitalize on them.



Yes, but the "handicap" may not be what you think. Lets dive into the stats for each team:

The following are South Carolina's season stats, divided into out-of-conference games and conference games. These sets of stats are NOT as accurate as they could be, because at this stage of the season, a number of "non-conference" games are actually conference games - they are conference TOURNAMENT games that came after the regular season had concluded. But the numbers are still informative:

South Carolina (16 SEC Conference games; 16 out-of-conference games):

In Conf./Out of Conf.:

Scoring O: 71.7 ppg/ 71.4 ppg
Scoring D: 51.2 ppg/ 50.2 ppg
Scoring Margin: 20.5 ppg/ 21.2 ppg
Rebounding/Gm: 48.9 rpg/ 47.7 rpg
Rebounding Margin: 17.6 rpg/ 18.1 rpg
Assists/Gm: 13.9 apg/ 14.8 apg
Steals/Gm: 5.3 spg/ 7.7 spg
Blocked Shots/Gm: 7.3 bpg/ 8.1 bpg
Fouls/Gm: 12.7 fpg/ 14.2 fpg
Turnovers/Gm: 13.6 tpg/ 15.7 tpg
Forced Turnovers/Gm: 11.6/ 15.3
FG %: .434/ .428
FG % D: .325/ .324
3-Pt. FG %: .305/ .311
3-Pt. FG % D: .259/ .273

South Carolina played what was the overall #1 ranked NET, #1 ranked RPI, and #1 ranked SOS schedule in 2021-22 per Warren Nolan. Their out-of-conference SOS was ranked #3 by Nolan. The SEC by comparison was the #1 ranked NET, #1 ranked RPI, and #1 ranked SOS conference.

By looking at the statistical numbers, it looks like most projections for South Carolina's schedule is close to accurate. There are very little if any disparities in production for non-conference games as opposed to conference games. Typically for SEC teams, one generally sees a decline in stats from their non-conference levels once the conference schedule kicks in: teams and staffs are far more familiar with each other, games are played at a more consistent rate per week, and the gold carrot of conference standings and awards give added meaning and importance to the games. Typically, non-conference games are played to prepare the teams FOR the conference schedule, so that says it all right there.

With South Carolina's stats, we see slight declines in most stats for conference games, but mostly the production is quite similar from each group.



Connecticut (17 Big East Conference games; 13 out-of-conference games):

In Conf./Out of Conf.:

Scoring O: 78.4 ppg/ 70.1 ppg
Scoring D: 50.8 ppg/ 58.6 ppg
Scoring Margin: 27.6 ppg/ 11.5 ppg
Rebounding/Gm: 39.1 rpg/ 38.1 rpg
Rebounding Margin: 8.8 rpg/ 5.3 rpg
Assists/Gm: 19.9 apg/ 17.4 apg
Steals/Gm: 11.0 spg/ 7.1 spg
Blocked Shots/Gm: 5.2 bpg/ 4.1 bpg
Fouls/Gm: 13.1 fpg/ 14.2 fpg
Turnovers/Gm: 13.3 tpg/ 15.2 tpg
Forced Turnovers/Gm: 17.9/ 13.8
FG %: .503/ .471
FG % D: .342/ .365
3-Pt. FG %: .340/ .343
3-Pt. FG % D: .257/ .318

Connecticut played what was the #4 ranked NET schedule, #7 ranked RPI, and #28-ranked SOS schedule per Nolan. Their out-of-conference schedule was ranked #1 per Nolan. The Big East has the #8 conference NET ranking, the #8 RPI ranking, and the #7 SOS ranking.

With Connecticut, the stats tell a different story. During their years in the American Athletic Conference and now in the Big East, they have regularly scheduled some of the strongest out-of-conference schedules. Therefore, as has been typical with the Huskies' seasons, we see the noticeable uptick in production once they moved into conference play (remember the FIRST set of stats are for Big East play). This season's statistics are no different.

Connecticut has averaged 8.3 points per game (ppg) more versus Big East opponents than they have against everyone else, and allowed 7.8 ppg fewer points from them. As a result, their Scoring Margin went from 11.5 ppg during the non-conference season, to an eye-popping 27.6 ppg margin during conference play.

Most other numbers were not that drastic, but still across the board improved once they moved into Big East play. And as a result, their overall statistics improved throughout the season. Should one compare Connecticut's non-conference stats with South Carolina's non-conference stats, they would see that South Carolina had the better scoring average while allowing fewer points scored, the better rebounding, blocked shot, and steal averages. CT had the better shooting average from the field and 3-pt line, but allowed an equal increase in opponents' shooting average which cancels those stats out.

Of course, this is comparing apples with oranges. South Carolina and Connecticut did NOT play the same non-conference schedules against the same non-conference opponents. And Connecticut did deal with the more impacting injuries to key players this season. But Bueckers only played in three (3) Big East conference regular-season games. She actually played more games during the non-conference portion of the schedule.

What would the Big East Conference stats had looked like if Paige was available for more of those games? In the 3 BE games she appeared in, CT averaged 85.0 ppg. In the 4 non-conference Bueckers played in, CT averaged 74.6 ppg and allowed 63.4 ppg. Compared with South Carolina's 71.4 and 50.2, for a scoring margin of 11.2 to USC's margin of 21.2.

But again, it is apples to oranges. But if we're going to make statements of "UConn would seem to have the better shooters, particularly from the 3 point line. UConn shoots significantly more from 3 than the Gamecocks, and with greater accuracy", then we're kinda forced to make those comparisons. About the ONLY thing I can readily agree with, is that CT shoots more from the 3 than South Carolina does.....

Wow!

As to the freshman:

1. Raven of course has missed this entire season due to injury.

2. Feagin has gotten little playing time because she is buried behind Boston, Saxon, Cardosa and Amihere. However, she has done well offensively, defensively and on the glass. She’ll still be buried next year but seems. Happy and loves her teammates. She will be ready by her junior year.

3. Bree Hall is getting significant PT. She started slowly offensively but was good defensively from the start. Her offense is coming on. She will play a significant role next year as a soph.

4. The athletic ability is there. Her defense has improved greatly. She has all the moves offensively. However, the nation’s leading scorer as a hs senior has a horrible shooting percentage. She looked great in the preseason and in practices. However, she looks jinxed in games. The ball just won’t goo in!

 

[SCspur]

Wow!

As to the freshman:

1. Raven of course has missed this entire season due to injury.

2. Feagin has gotten little playing time because she is buried behind Boston, Saxon, Cardosa and Amihere. However, she has done well offensively, defensively and on the glass. She’ll still be buried next year but seems. Happy and loves her teammates. She will be ready by her junior year.

3. Bree Hall is getting significant PT. She started slowly offensively but was good defensively from the start. Her offense is coming on. She will play a significant role next year as a soph.

4. The athletic ability is there. Her defense has improved greatly. She has all the moves offensively. However, the nation’s leading scorer as a hs senior has a horrible shooting percentage. She looked great in the preseason and in practices. However, she looks jinxed in games. The ball just won’t goo in!

I don’t see Feagin being buried at all next year, especially with Victaria and LeLe leaving. Based on the little time she’s played this season she’s actually looked better than some of the vets and is arguably the second best finisher on the team after Aliyah. I definitely see significant minutes for her next year especially if she brings along the skill set she had in high school.

 

[visitingcock]

I don’t see Feagin being buried at all next year, especially with Victaria and LeLe leaving. Based on the little time she’s played this season she’s actually looked better than some of the vets and is arguably the second best finisher on the team after Aliyah. I definitely see significant minutes for her next year especially if she brings along the skill set she had in high school.

Yes, her time could increase next year IF Saxon leaves. IF. LeLe will definitely leave but that doesn’t open up a lot of minutes. Forget high school though-she’s in the big leagues now

 

[visitingcock]

Does anybody know why Rivers didn’t play against Howard?

 

[SCGamecock]

Yes, her time could increase next year IF Saxon leaves. IF. LeLe will definitely leave but that doesn’t open up a lot of minutes. Forget high school though-she’s in the big leagues now

LeLe has no more eligibility. She’s gone regardless.

 

[TC22]

Aliyah has taken Feagin under her wing. I have a feeling there will be a lot of growth over the summer. I agree - she finishes great at the rim. Rebounding machine, can handle. She had to get the defensive part down. Wesolek and Lele will be gone, but Feagin will be in the rotation I think. Would not be surprised to see Amihere move to the 3. She works better in space. She’s quick enough. She’s played there in the Jumbo lineup lately. It wouldn’t surprise me at all.

 

[Cockygirl]

Does anybody know why Rivers didn’t play against Howard?

Coaches decision. So likely a minor disciplinary reason

 

[Blueberries]

Coaches decision. So likely a minor disciplinary reason

Anyone know why she didn't play today?

 

[JDuro]

Anyone know why she didn't play today?

Likely same reason, disciplinary. She went through the shooting lines but relegated to the end of the bench. Why will never see the light of day unless Saniya says something.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I don’t see Feagin being buried at all next year, especially with Victaria and LeLe leaving. Based on the little time she’s played this season she’s actually looked better than some of the vets and is arguably the second best finisher on the team after Aliyah. I definitely see significant minutes for her next year especially if she brings along the skill set she had in high school.

I think she will be better than Saxton and Amihere.

 

[triaddukefan]

Did yall see this tweet from earlier today? Somebody was out to ruffle some feathers... account got banned after this. The original account had the name and the picture of a CBB insider

 

[SCspur]

I think she will be better than Saxton and Amihere.

I do too. I think she will be a big piece to the squad next year.

 

[ConwayGmck]

I don’t see Feagin being buried at all next year, especially with Victaria and LeLe leaving. Based on the little time she’s played this season she’s actually looked better than some of the vets and is arguably the second best finisher on the team after Aliyah. I definitely see significant minutes for her next year especially if she brings along the skill set she had in high school.

Feagin is expected to get a huge boost in MPG next season due to departures via graduation. We must however remember that 99% of Feagin's minutes this season were typically against the end of benches for opposing teams who are losing to South Carolina by ample degree, and the vast majority of those teams aren't running 5-star McD AAs out to play against Sania. But she does look quite promising despite that......

 

[TC22]

I do too. I think she will be a big piece to the squad next year.

Aliyah has spent a lot of time with her this year. I think she’s going to be very good.

 

[GamecockFam]

Feagin is expected to get a huge boost in MPG next season due to departures via graduation. We must however remember that 99% of Feagin's minutes this season were typically against the end of benches for opposing teams who are losing to South Carolina by ample degree, and the vast majority of those teams aren't running 5-star McD AAs out to play against Sania. But she does look quite promising despite that......

I think in spite of all of that, I can tell she is a smart player. She had a very nice play against Howard where she bounced the ball of the defender's ankles to maintain possession out-of-bounds. She also had another great transition play where she read the defense and caught the defenders out of alignment. Those plays speak volumes to me -- more so than the field goal % against walk-ons.

 

[SCspur]

Feagin is expected to get a huge boost in MPG next season due to departures via graduation. We must however remember that 99% of Feagin's minutes this season were typically against the end of benches for opposing teams who are losing to South Carolina by ample degree, and the vast majority of those teams aren't running 5-star McD AAs out to play against Sania. But she does look quite promising despite that......

even in the short period she played her flashes showed promise. Especially against Georgia where she got 2 steals on consecutive possessions and finished an and-1 as well as a strong drive to the rim against Staiti.