GoGamecocks.com
Horn subs heavier, taller Steed in the post
Hoping to boost attendance from last year, USC holds practice for students
CommentsAs he tried to get himself into the right shape for being a post player, Austin Steed decided on the short route: A steady diet of Firehouse Subs.
“Steak subs,” Steed added. “A1 sauce.”
The result is that Steed is about 10 pounds heavier than his listed 215. He also gained an inch, up to 6-foot-8, from his listed height last year.
The sophomore is taking on a new role for the South Carolina men’s basketball team. After playing very little last year, when he was viewed as more of a wing player, new coach Darrin Horn wants Steed on the inside.
“Austin’s made progress in the areas that he needs to for us, in terms of bringing us some energy, rebounding the basketball and being a defender, and finishing when he’s around the basket,” Horn said. “He’s a guy who within his role, can give us some things.”
Steed played in six games last year, averaging 4.8 minutes, 2.2 points and 2 rebounds. He doesn’t appear to be a member of the first core group of six-to-seven players, but is likely to be the first option among the remaining bench players.
“I’m comfortable anywhere he puts me,” Steed said. “I’m gonna bring a lot of energy, and that’s what we need.”
Causing a ruckus. As part of a larger attempt to involve the students, the Gamecocks held a closed practice for students on Monday night at the Strom Thurmond Wellness Center, with about 200 attending.
Horn used the occasion to tell them what he wanted during games: When a Gamecock attempts a 3, to yell “Three!” and when it goes in, “Whoosh!”
Last season, several players complained about the home atmosphere, and said they fed off the larger road crowds. Senior guard Zam Fredrick said he hoped that would turn around.
“They’re right on the court. You make a big shot, or (get) a bad call, they can react, you can see their facial expressions and just how passionate they are about the game,” Fredrick said. “If we get it full in there, then we feel like we can play to our utmost potential.”
Extra points. Shane Phillips, a freshman from West Virginia, is practicing with the Gamecocks, who have 11 scholarship players and no walk-ons. He is not on the playing roster. ...
Horn said the team is healthy and “good to go” for its exhibition game on Friday against Kentucky Wesleyan. ...
Sophomore center Sam Muldrow, who did not attempt a 3 last year, will have the green light to do so under Horn.
“Sam can shoot the basketball,” Horn said.
Reach Emerson at (803) 771-8676.
Most Viewed Stories
- Notes: Saunders critical of pass opportunities
- Commentary: Play-call duties at heart of debate
- Recruiting: Lattimore, Fulton venture out of state
- Coming unraveled: Hogs handle Gamecocks
- Soccer: Women win SEC title
- Morris: Lack of progress maddening for USC
- Quarles Spends Saturday Night at Death Valley
- QBs aim to be elite company
- Oh, snap: O-line's crumble continues
- Saunders speaks out: Targets a concern
@Nyx.CommentBody@