South Carolina basketball moving up again in NET rankings
Following a strong week that included a rivalry win over the Clemson Tigers (the Gamecocks’ first Quad 1 victory of the year that has since been downgraded to a Quad 2 win) and a blowout triumph over the Radford Highlanders, South Carolina basketball is moving up again in the NET rankings. As of Monday evening, USC is No. 84 in the NET.
The NET, for those unfamiliar, is the most important ranking metric used by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee. It factors in Team Value Index (essentially a team’s on-court results, location of games, and strength of schedule) and adjusted net efficient ratings (how well a team plays in those games, adjusted for the quality of opponent and location of games).
[Join GamecockCentral: $1 for 7 days]
84th is not where South Carolina wants to be in the NET. However, after an opening game loss to North Florida led to a 3-3 start, the Gamecocks were closer to No. 200 than anyone thought possible. For Lamont Paris’ team to rattle off six wins in a row (including the big Clemson win), is impressive. This 9-3 Carolina squad has earned its jump in the rankings.
The Gamecocks also have plenty of upward mobility potential remaining.
The SEC is the best league in college basketball right now, and the strength of schedule metrics show it. That should come as no surprise as every team in the conference is ranked inside the top 84 in the NET. In fact, 14 of the league’s 16 teams are in the top 47.
Top 10
- 1New
Urban Meyer
Coach alarmed by UT fan turnout at OSU
- 2
Bowl insurance
Historic policies for Hunter, Shedeur
- 3Hot
CFP home games
Steve Spurrier calls for change
- 4
Nick Saban endorsed
Lane Kiffin suggests as commish
- 5
Diego Pavia
Vandy QB ruling forces change
Get the On3 Top 10 to your inbox every morning
By clicking "Subscribe to Newsletter", I agree to On3's Privacy Notice, Terms, and use of my personal information described therein.
As things stand, all 18 of South Carolina’s conference games are Quad 1 or Quad 2 opportunities. 16 of them are Quad 1 games. That certainly could (and likely will) change as teams lose games. However, Coach Paris’ bunch will put themselves in the middle of the postseason picture if they win their fair share.
[Get USC Gamecocks app notifications]
Next up for South Carolina is a final out-of-conference matchup. The in-state Presbyterian Blue Hose will travel to Colonial Life Arena on Monday, December 30th. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m., and SEC will broadcast the game, while the ESPN app makes it available for streaming.
