When it comes to men’s college basketball in the state of South Carolina, only one team has ever reached the pinnacle of the sport by advancing to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. That honor belongs to the South Carolina Gamecocks, who accomplished the feat in 2017, marking an unforgettable chapter in the state’s basketball history.
As March Madness rolls around each year, fans from across the nation begin reminiscing about great tournament runs and Cinderella stories. And for basketball fans in South Carolina, it’s always a good time to remind everyone that no other men’s program in the state—not Clemson, not Coastal Carolina, not Charleston—has managed to replicate what Frank Martin’s Gamecocks achieved in 2017.
The Historic 2016-17 Season: A Run for the Ages
South Carolina’s journey to the Final Four in 2017 was a monumental moment for the program, especially considering the team had not even won an NCAA Tournament game since 1973. Under the fiery leadership of head coach Frank Martin, the Gamecocks embarked on a historic run that captured the imagination of college basketball fans.
Regular Season Success & Tournament Selection
The 2016-17 Gamecocks finished the regular season with a 22-10 record (12-6 in the SEC). While their conference record was solid, few people expected them to make serious noise in the tournament. South Carolina was given a No. 7 seed in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament, and many experts believed they wouldn’t even make it past the first weekend.
But Frank Martin’s team had different plans.
Defensive Grit and Senior Leadership
The team was built on defensive intensity, a trademark of Frank Martin’s coaching philosophy. They finished the season ranked among the best defensive teams in the nation, holding opponents to just 64.5 points per game.
Offensively, the Gamecocks were led by senior guard Sindarius Thornwell, a dynamic scorer and defensive force who was the SEC Player of the Year. His leadership, combined with the contributions of PJ Dozier, Chris Silva, and Duane Notice, gave South Carolina a balanced attack heading into the tournament.
The Road to the Final Four
South Carolina’s tournament journey was one of sheer resilience and shocking upsets, knocking off powerhouses on their way to Glendale, Arizona, for the Final Four.
First Round: Defeating Marquette (93-73)
South Carolina’s first-round matchup against No. 10 seed Marquette was a statement win. After trailing at halftime, the Gamecocks exploded in the second half, outscoring Marquette 54-33 to secure a dominant 93-73 victory.
Second Round: Stunning Duke (88-81)
The most shocking win of the tournament came in the second round when South Carolina faced No. 2 seed Duke, a national title favorite loaded with NBA talent. The Gamecocks, playing in front of a pro-South Carolina crowd in Greenville, SC, pulled off a massive upset, defeating Duke 88-81 in one of the most memorable tournament games in program history.
Sindarius Thornwell played like a man possessed, scoring 24 points, while South Carolina’s defense held Duke’s high-powered offense in check. It was a defining moment that announced South Carolina as a true contender.
Sweet 16: Overcoming Baylor (70-50)
In the Sweet 16, South Carolina faced No. 3 seed Baylor, another powerhouse program with Final Four aspirations. However, the Gamecocks dominated from start to finish, suffocating Baylor’s offense and cruising to a 70-50 victory.
The win was a testament to their defense, which held Baylor to just 30% shooting from the field.