Andy Demetra has been hired by USC and ISP Sports as the new play-by-play announcer for Gamecocks men's basketball and baseball.

Demetra, a Syracuse graduate, will be returning to South Carolina. He served as the announcer for women's basketball games from 2003-06, as well as several men's basketball games.

He replaces Mike Morgan, who resigned in April after nearly a decade doing baseball and men's basketball.

Demetra had been working for ISP Sports at its headquarters in Winston-Salem, N.C. Among his duties were calling games in Big East basketball, ACC football and the ACC baseball tournaments. He also filled in on basketball games at various schools, including Pittsburgh, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech and Villanova.

"The passion of Gamecock fans is second to none, which makes broadcasting for them all the more special," Demetra said in a statement. "That spirit left a lasting impression on me.

"I'm thrilled to be returning to the University of South Carolina and representing Gamecock Nation at such an exciting time in its history. I can't wait to get started."

USC said there were about 250 applicants for the position.

"We had tremendous interest from people across the country about this position and are excited about having Andy back in Columbia," Liz McMillan, general manager of Gamecock Sports Properties, said in a statement. "Andy is the consummate professional and is passionate about his broadcasts and about the Gamecocks."

ISP serves as the athletics department's media rights holder and employs the broadcasters for all South Carolina athletics television and radio broadcasts.

Morgan, who also resigned from his radio show at 107.5 FM, recently started a new afternoon show at 1400-AM.