South Carolina Basketball Prepares for SEC Media Days in Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, will take center stage next week as the SEC Media Days’ Basketball Tipoff gets underway — and both South Carolina basketball programs will be well represented.
The University of South Carolina announced Monday that men’s head coach Lamont Paris will be joined by senior guards Meechie Johnson and Mike Sharavjamts, along with senior wing Myles Stute. Meanwhile, women’s coach Dawn Staley will travel with senior guard Ta’Niya Latson, senior forward Chloe Kitts, and sophomore forward Joyce Edwards.
Men’s Team Out to Prove the Critics Wrong
Expectations for the Gamecock men’s team are low heading into the 2024–25 season, with many predicting South Carolina to finish near the bottom of the SEC standings. But Paris and his players are using that as motivation.
The team has embraced what Paris calls a “chip-on-the-shoulder mentality,” determined to outperform the doubters. “That kind of disrespect fuels you,” Paris said earlier this week. “It gives us something to prove.”
Meechie Johnson, who also represented USC at last year’s SEC Media Days, said the team is ready to surprise people. “We’ve been counted out before,” he noted. “That’s when we play our best basketball.”
Women’s Team Carries Championship Expectations
On the women’s side, it’s the complete opposite. Staley’s Gamecocks enter the new season as overwhelming favorites — not just in the SEC, but nationally. Most outlets have South Carolina pegged as the preseason No. 1 team and a frontrunner to win another national title.
Under Staley, USC has dominated the league, capturing nine of the last 12 regular-season SEC titles and nine of the past 11 SEC Tournament crowns.
However, one storyline could follow the team to Birmingham. Forward Chloe Kitts was recently seen wearing a bulky knee brace, raising questions about her health. Staley and Kitts are expected to address the situation during Monday’s media session.
SEC Media Days Schedule (October 14)
- 11:50 a.m.–12:05 p.m.: Dawn Staley
- 12:05–12:15 p.m.: Joyce Edwards, Chloe Kitts, Ta’Niya Latson
- 12:50–1:05 p.m.: Lamont Paris
- 1:05–1:15 p.m.: Meechie Johnson, Mike Sharavjamts, Myles Stute
Both South Carolina programs will take the stage on Day 1 of the two-day event. Fans can catch the coverage live on SEC Network or stream it via the ESPN app. Full updates and analysis will also be available on GamecockCentral.com.
