South Carolina basketball: The rise of the Gamecocks

For years, the South Carolina Gamecocks have toiled in relative obscurity, overshadowed by the likes of Kentucky, Duke, and North Carolina. But in recent years, the Gamecocks have quietly emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

Under the leadership of head coach Frank Martin, South Carolina has made three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Final Four in 2017.

This season, the Gamecocks are once again poised to make a deep run in the tournament. They are ranked 10th in the AP poll and have a talented roster led by senior guard PJ Dozier and junior forward Chris Silva.

Dozier is one of the most dynamic players in the country. He can score from anywhere on the court and is a gifted passer. Silva is a force down low, averaging 16 points and 9 rebounds per game.

In addition to Dozier and Silva, the Gamecocks have a number of other talented players who can contribute. Senior guard Hassani Gravett is a reliable shooter, junior forward Maik Kotsar is a tough rebounder, and sophomore guard A.J. Lawson is a rising star.

With a talented roster and an experienced coach, South Carolina has all the pieces in place to make a run to the Final Four. The Gamecocks are a team to watch in this year's NCAA Tournament.

If South Carolina can continue to play with the same intensity and passion that they have shown all season, they have the potential to be one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

The Gamecocks are hungry to prove that they belong among the nation's elite. With a Final Four berth within their reach, they are determined to make a statement this March.

Gamecocks fans should be excited about the future of their basketball program. With Martin at the helm and a talented roster, South Carolina is poised to become a perennial contender for the national championship.