South Carolina Preview Capsule

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina

Last season: 17-16, missed the postseason after a surprise Final Four run in 2017.

Nickname: Gamecocks.

Coach: Frank Martin.

Conference: Southeastern.

Who's gone: Guard Frank Booker, guard Wesley Myers, guard David Beatty (transfer).

Who's back: Forward Chris Silva was the team's top scorer, rebounder and shot blocker. He was named the SEC co-defensive player of the year and made first-team all-SEC. Guard Hasani Gravett is the team's leading returner at 3.6 assists a game. Forward Malik Kotsar averaged eight points and four rebounds. Forward Justin Minaya is the son of former Major League GM Omar Minaya who is the team's top returning 3-point shooter.

Who's new: Gamecocks counting on Georgetown grad transfer Tre Campbell to take control of point guard. Guard Jermaine Cousinard is among six freshman on South Carolina's roster.

The Skinny: South Carolina had hoped to back up their Final Four season in 2017 with a strong follow-up. Martin hopes the Gamecocks, picked 11th in the SEC, can take a positive step forward back into the NCAA Tournament this year.

Expectations: South Carolina could struggle through another season of growth with nine sophomores or freshmen on the roster in what appears to be a stacked SEC.