Devan Downey was one of the most exciting guards in South Carolina history. A scoring machine and defensive playmaker, Downey had some legendary performances, including a 30-point game against No. 1-ranked Kentucky in 2010.
Brian Winters was an elite shooter and scorer, finishing with one of the highest career point averages in South Carolina history. He later had a successful NBA career, earning multiple All-Star appearances.
Mike Dunleavy Sr. was a floor general and playmaker, setting up South Carolina’s offense with elite passing and leadership. He went on to have a long NBA career as both a player and a coach.
While Frank McGuire wasn’t a player, his impact as a coach was monumental. He transformed South Carolina into a basketball powerhouse in the late 1960s and early 1970s, leading the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearances and an ACC title. His recruiting success and coaching legacy continue to influence the program today.
Larry Davis was a key piece in South Carolina’s basketball revival in the 1990s. A clutch scorer and leader, Davis was instrumental in South Carolina’s 1997 SEC Championship run, which saw the team earn a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament—its highest in history.
Sindarius Thornwell led South Carolina to its greatest basketball moment, a historic run to the 2017 Final Four. His defensive intensity, scoring ability, and leadership earned him SEC Player of the Year honors in his senior season. Thornwell’s impact on the program is undeniable, making him one of the Gamecocks’ all-time greats.
Kevin Joyce was a key player in South Carolina’s golden era in the early 1970s. A versatile wing with elite scoring and rebounding ability, Joyce played a huge role in South Carolina’s first-ever NCAA Tournament berth in 1971. His leadership and production helped solidify the program’s standing in the ACC.
BJ McKie was one of the most prolific scorers in school history, finishing as South Carolina’s all-time leading scorer. A talented shooter and playmaker, McKie helped revitalize the program in the late 1990s, leading them to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.
John Roche was the Gamecocks’ first true superstar, leading them through their best years in the ACC. A dynamic guard, Roche was known for his elite shooting, ball-handling, and scoring ability. His back-to-back ACC Player of the Year awards put South Carolina basketball on the map.
Alex English is the greatest player in South Carolina history. A versatile and efficient scorer, English set records that still stand today. He was a consistent offensive force, averaging 17.6 points per game for his career. His success at South Carolina paved the way for a Hall of Fame NBA career, where he became one of the best scorers of his era.
