Gamecocks get a shakeup: Men’s basketball roster in transition
The announced transfers on Tuesday of Demetrius Henry, Shamiek Sheppard and Reggie Theus raises the number of departures from last year’s 17-16 team to five. The Gamecocks have a four-man class committed and have room to add one more scholarship player. A look at the 2015-16 roster:
HE’S OUTTA HERE
G Ty Johnson
The team’s starting point guard, Johnson leaves the biggest void. The only senior, he averaged 9.5 points, third on the team.
F Demetrius Henry
Points (6.0) and rebounds (3.6) can be replaced, but his 6-foot-9 stature won’t be as easy. USC doesn’t have much height.
G/F Shamiek Sheppard
He never got a chance to show what he could do, playing in seven games after returning from knee surgery.
F Reggie Theus
Outstanding in the locker room and with the media, Theus will be missed – but as a personality, not a player.
G Austin Constable
A walk-on who didn’t play after a knee injury, he decided to graduate and move on.
HE’S COMING
G P.J. Dozier
The most hyped freshman prospect since BJ McKie, Dozier can be an elite floor general and scorer.
G Jamall Gregory
A late find on the recruiting trail, the 6-4 shooting guard will be able to back up several players.
F Chris Silva
A raw but gifted discovery, the 6-8 Silva might have his picture next to “can jump out of the gym” by the time next season ends.
Travon Bunch
At 6-10 and 230 pounds, he is sorely needed in the post. But he has yet to sign because of academic concerns.
HE’S HERE
G Sindarius Thornwell
The most talented player, he had a procedure on each patella tendon and is feeling better than he did last season.
G Marcus Stroman
Flashes of brilliance from the freshman point guard, but a throat infection cost him 20 pounds and his energy late last season.
G TeMarcus Blanton
Recovery from hip surgery is going well, but it remains to be seen if he’ll be cleared to play.
G Duane Notice
He took the team’s scoring title (11.7) and became a takeover player late in the year. If he can stay consistent, he and Thornwell are a lethal backcourt.
C Laimonas Chatkevicius
The team’s tallest player (6-11), “Big Chat” has improved every year. He can be an 8-point, 8-board guy.
G Justin McKie
He seemed primed to break out, but an early season concussion derailed his progress this past season.
F Michael Carrera
“Mr. Energy” who is the team’s beloved pest – he gets the loose balls, is in on every rebound and gets the opponents frustrated.
F Mindaugas Kacinas
At 6-7, Kacinas will supply needed height. Like Chatkevicius, he might not be an all-star, but he’s dependable.
G Brian Steele
A 3-point specialist, Steele has done a bit of everything. He’s hoping his twice-repaired right knee holds up as a senior.
This story was originally published May 5, 2015 at 9:06 PM.