GAMECOCKS TODAY!
presented by
Gamecock Traditions
Friday, Dec. 18
-------
Get your "Shane Train" stickers from Gamecock Traditions - formerly Garnet and Black Traditions. Christmas shopping for the Gamecock fans in your life? Now you can order online @ GamecockTraditions.com and pick up in-store @ 5134 Sunset Blvd., Lexington, SC 29072.
1. Beamer provides staff timetable update
While the entire South Carolina fanbase is dying to know who new coach Shane Beamer is going to hire on his staff, Beamer again preached patience Thursday on an appearance on the Sports Talk Radio Network with Phil Kornblut.
Beamer did, however, provide some hints on his plans and the timetable moving forward.
Beamer said that he's pleased with where the process is right now and that he hopes to announce some things early next week if not before then.
He also admitted that it's accurate to say that he already has some "verbal commitments" from future staff members, who are finishing out their current coaching responsibilities.
"I understand there's a desire to get everything announced, but I'm going to take my time," Beamer said. "I'm going to make sure I get 10 guys there that are the right 10 guys, that are the right fit, that are loyal, that are going to help us win championships at Carolina."
Beamer reiterated that he gave the admin an "A list" of potential staff members and that every single person on the top of the list is still a viable candidate.
Not a 'major rebuild'
While Beamer admitted that there's work to be done, he also reiterated the thought process from his opening press conference: that he knows you can't think of the job as a five-year rebuild.
"Ray Tanner and President Caslen, they didn't hire me to come in there for a 'major rebuild,'" Beamer said. "Is there some work to do? Absolutely. You're playing in the toughest conference in the country week in, week out.
"There's certainly some work to do, but I also see a lot of positives in the program right now. ... I didn't take that job telling Ray Tanner it's going to be four or five years before we have success. I owe that to the playings coming back, to these seniors, to have the very best team that we possibly can in 2021."
Beamer weighs in on JonDarius Morgan
Since the time that Beamer spoke to the media about his signing class on Wednesday, the Gamecocks added another signee in three-star OL JonDarius Morgan who had committed to the prior staff and was going to wait until February to sign but ultimately signed Wednesday evening.
Beamer gave his evaluation of Morgan:
He's a mauler. I love what he's about. You put on his video and he's got the toughness, that physicality, that nastiness that you want from an offensive lineman, and I'm really excited about what he brings to the table. A really good family, I've enjoyed getting to know him and his family throughout this process.
And he's a guy, with the news about Eric Wolford, he had some questions and I appreciate him trusting in us and believing in what we're going to get down in Columbia and still wanting to be a Gamecock. We're excited about him and are hoping that he's not going to be the last one you hear about as we go forward here in a short time.
Football: Beamer's plan for being full-time in Columbia, Gamecocks' bowl game - Shane Beamer’s days of double duty are quickly coming to an end. (link)
Football: Carolina Confidential - What's next? - New South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer signed the first eight guys of his tenure on Wednesday and we've got the scoop you're looking for on what's next for the new head coach in this edition of Carolina Confidential. (subscription)
Football: Small early signing class gives Gamecocks flexibility moving forward - When he took to Zoom Wednesday, Shane Beamer wanted to be discussing 20 signees and a top 10 recruiting class. Instead, it was a smaller, eight-man signing class and that was in part by design. (link)
Football: Shane Beamer addresses remaining needs for 2021 class - Now comes the part where Beamer has to decide which holes are the most important to fill first, and he has a little bit of an idea where to go. (link)
MBB: Martin explains Gamecocks' return to practice this weekend - The Gamecocks are hopefully just a few days away from returning to the court after a nearly two-week pause on basketball activities. (link)
MBB: Martin pleased with Moss, Woods off bench - Now, through at least the first three games, Moss seems to play much better and chiseling out a role in the backcourt. (link)
WBB: South Carolina wastes Temple- South Carolina shook off some early rust and rode the hot shooting of Zia Cooke to a 103-41 win over Temple. (link) PREVIOUSLY...
Football - The latest: Gamecock football team/staffing notes - In this update for GamecockCentral.com subscribers, have the very latest on several topics. (subscription)
South Carolina National Signing Day Central (Updated: 4 p.m.) - This is your one-stop headquarters for all of GamecockCentral.com's Early Signing Period coverage for South Carolina football's class of 2021. (subscription)
Football: Shane Beamer addresses remaining needs for 2021 class - In a typical year, the bulk of South Carolina’s class would have been signed, sealed and delivered now. This year, the Gamecocks have a long way to go, and that’s by design. (link)
Football: Tanner discusses Muschamp's buyout - One of quite literally the biggest issues that came with firing Will Muschamp in November was the size of his buyout, and news came out last week it’s a more sizable one than initially thought. (link)
Football: What Shane Beamer said about South Carolina's seven signees - Beamer has been working to keep the 2021 class intact and add new people into the fold, and spoke Wednesday about what the Gamecocks are getting in each player. (link)
Dec. 18, 1971 - Visiting Virginia Tech did their best to spoil the 1971-72 home opener for the 5th ranked Gamecocks, but USC escaped 77-76 behind some critical free throws down the stretch by junior guard Kevin Joyce. USC started fast, then went cold, as the Hokies pulled ahead by six before a Carolina rally tied the game with seven minutes left in the first half. The Gamecocks pulled ahead at the half, 41-39, and would not trail again. The Gamecocks were never able to pull away though, as their biggest lead of the second half would be seven points. Allen Bristow kept Virginia Tech close as he poured in 31 points. Carolina would score only nine points in the final six and a half minutes as the lead shrunk from six to one. Joyce scored seven of the nine, while center Danny Traylor made two free throws in the final 23 seconds. The Gamecocks led by four with 28 seconds to go, but a basket by Bristow and a free throw by Tech's Randy Minix cut the lead to one. The Hokies got one final shot, but Traylor blocked a long attempt by Tech's Bill McNeer as USC improved to 5-0.
• Dec. 23 – Men's Basketball: SC State (5 days)
• Dec. 31 – Women's Basketball: Ole Miss (13)
• Feb. 3 – Football: Late Signing Day (47)
Customize:You get to choose which breaking news alerts and newsletters to receive from Gamecock Central.
Celebrating 22 years! Established in 1998, Gamecock Central provides in-depth and insider coverage of Gamecock sports and recruiting, and is home to The Insiders Forum.
Need help? If you have a Gamecock Central account (free or pay) and cannot remember your password, please go to this link and enter your email address.
