Options surround Downey

Devan Downey was a conspicuous observer Wednesday at USC's pro day for football players. The Gamecocks basketball star was there to support his roommates Captain Munnerlyn and Jasper Brinkley — but soon Downey might be attending his own tryout.

Downey recently discussed with coach Darrin Horn whether the junior should apply early for the NBA draft. Horn said he left the meeting without any "feeling one way or the other" on what Downey would do.

Underclassmen have until April 26 to enter their name, then can withdraw up until 10 days before June 25 draft, retaining their eligibility as long as they do not sign with an agent.

"That's something we'll go by step-by-step, and if by the end of the next month he wants to declare, that has to be done and you just move forward from there," Horn said. "My goal is to gather accurate information and help him understand what the real facts are as he moves forward in making a decision. And we'll support him in that in any way he can."

Downey last week declined to discuss his future, after the Gamecocks' season ended with a loss to Davidson in the first round of the NIT. He is not regarded as a surefire draft pick, mostly because of his 5-foot-9 height. But Downey is a fourth-year junior who has been a two-time first-team All-SEC pick, so he will explore his options.

Still, Downey's uncertain status doesn't change too much when it comes to Horn’s planning for next season.

"The system itself isn't going to change," Horn said. "But how we utilize the strengths, with our personnel, sure, if he's here we maybe lean more toward one way or utilize him differently than if he wasn't. But I don't think it's going to affect major decisions with our program moving forward."

Incoming freshman Ramon Galloway is the likely backup point guard, possibly the starter if Downey leaves, though Horn believes Galloway is more of a combination guard.

"We got positive word he dunked all over a 6-9 guy in an all-star game in Florida over the weekend," Horn said. "So we think he's more than (just a point guard). But, yeah, he would be the guy that would be thrust in more of a major role, or if not would be the guy we hope could learn from someone we all know is really good."

Downey's status was the biggest of several subjects Horn discussed Wednesday during a news conference wrapping up his first season as the Gamecocks’ coach:

• South Carolina is committed to five games for next season's schedule: home games against Western Kentucky, Baylor and Furman, and trips to Clemson and Wofford. Horn said the Gamecocks are looking at playing in a tournament.

"Everybody's talked a lot about nonconference schedule because of what happened with the SEC and seeding (in the NCAA tournament)," Horn said. "But we looked at the Sweet 16 teams, and you guys should take a look at it yourself; there's not really a lot of Sweet 16 schools playing more than three or four BCS-type schools in their nonconference.And some of those resulted (from) an exempt tournament. So our goal would be to do that type of thing."

• Horn has spoken to Alshon Jeffery, a football signee from Calhoun County High School who has expressed an interest in playing basketball. Horn said he was open to the idea but that Steve Spurrier would have a chance to weigh in.

• Guard Robert Wilder's scholarship status for next season is in the air, depending on the program's need. The team has nine returning players and four commitments; 13 scholarships are the maximum allowed by the NCAA.

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