Charleston Classic preview

We can go into more detail later in the week, but with the Charleston Classic a couple days away, here’s a quick thumbnail sketch of USC’s (possible) opponents in the tournament.

THURSDAY
9:30 p.m. (approximately), ESPNU
LaSalle
Current record: 1-0 (def. Hampton, 83-80)
2009-09: 18-13, no postseason
Starters/Lettermen back: 5/9
The skinny: LaSalle was picked by the media to finish fourth in the Atlantic 10. Its best player is 6-foot-5 senior guard Rodney Green, the second-leading returning scorer in the A-10. But the Explorers after the A-10 version of John Wall in 6-10 forward Aaric Murray, who was a consensus top 40 recruit nationally. (No. 35 by Rivals.com and No. 33 by Scout.com.)
Projecting: This should be an interesting test for the Gamecocks, who will still be favored but had better be careful.

FRIDAY
7 p.m. (if USC loses on Thursday), 9:30 p.m. (if USC wins on Thursday)
South Florida
Current record: 2-0 (beat Virginia, 66-49, and won at SMU, 67-61)
2008-09: 9-22
Starters/Lettermen back: 4/8
The skinny: South Florida has three real interesting players. Senior Dominique Jones is their best player. Swingman Mike Mercer played at Georgia, where he was kicked off the team. Forward Augustus Gilchrist originally signed with Virginia Tech, then spent a semester at Maryland before transferring because of an eligibility issue.

Davidson
Current record: 0-1 (lost at Butler, 73-62)
2008-09: 27-8, NIT second round
Starters/Lettermen back: 2/10
The skinny: No more Stephen Curry, no more major hype for this mid-major. The Wildcatsdo return swingman Will Archambault and 6-7 forward Steve Rossiter. But it’s a rebuilding year for Bob McKillop’s team.

Projecting: While the Gamecocks might like to avenge last year’s NIT loss to Davidson, they’re more likely to get South Florida. That will make for an intriguing matchup, and could end up looking good on South Carolina’s resume.

SUNDAY
Penn State
Current record: 2-0 (beat Pennsylvania, 70-55, and Robert Morris, 80-61)
2008-09: 27-11, NIT champions
Starters/Lettermen back: 3/8
The skinny: The Nittany Lions are a lot like the Gamecocks. They’re widely expected to contend to make the NCAA tournament, but not assured a spot. And their point guard, junior Talor Battle might be one of the more underrated players in the country.

Miami
Current record: 2-0 (beat NC Central 83-53 and Nova Southeast 108-58).
2008-09: 19-13, NIT second round
Starters/Lettermen back: 2/7
The skinny: The Hurricanes are without Jack McClinton, so they’re in rebuilding mode. They’re still an ACC team with some talent, led by seniors Dwayne Collins (a 6-8 forward) and James Dews (a 6-4 guard).

Tulane
Current record: 0-1 (lost to Georgetown, 74-58)
2008-09: 14-17
Starters/Lettermen back: 3/9
The skinny: Coach Dave Dickerson will be coaching in his home state. The Green Wave have some experience, especially in the backcourt, but this team will still be battling just to get to the CBI.

UNC Wilmington
Current record: 0-2 (lost at Appalachian State, 79-68, and George Washington, 76-71.
2008-09: 7-24
Starters/Lettermen back: 5/8
The skinny: This isn’t the same Seahawk team that used to give teams fits in the NCAA tournament. They do have experience, but based on their first two games are still a mid-level CAA team at best. Trevor Deloach, who spent a redshirt freshman season at USC, is a rserve guard at UNC Wilmington.

Projecting: If South Carolina wins the first two games, it would be a shock not to see Penn State or Miami there, with the Nittany Lions being the best bet. A matchup with one of those two teams will be a good one; Tulane and UNC Wilmington might not be up to LaSalle’s level.