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Draft CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 “IPs always been a dream of mine to play with my brother,” Michael said. “He may be younger than me, but I really look up to him. He’s got all the tools necessary for the big leagues, but only time will t§ll on our decisions.” Cebterfielder Marcus McBeth was chosen by Oakland in the fourth round, where he was joined by pitcher . Brett Price nine rounds later. McBeth has been a defensive stalwart of the Gamecocks the past two seasons and also featured improved offense this season thanks to a summer weight-lifting session. Price compiled a 6-1 record with a 2.95 ERA this season, and could anchor the GameCocks’ bullpen or start midweek games should he return for his senior year. Pitcher Kip Bouknight was drafted by Colorado in the 13th round, seven rounds higher than last year’s draft. Though Bouknight was offered a contract by Oakland last year, he turned it down to become the leader of the 2001 squad, compiling a 10-4 record with 104 strikeouts while setting school records for career victories and Ks. Bouknight has already signed a contract with the Rockies and reported to the team’s mini-camp in Tucson, Ariz. Second baseman Bryon Jeffcoat was picked by Atlanta, also in the 13th round. “There’s no words to express yourself, on being drafted,” Jeffcoat said. “My goal is to keep moving up, but you have to produce to play.” The senior came off the bench to start for the Gamecocks this season, and played almost flawless defense while watching his batting average soar. Jeffcoat had the most productive season of his career in 2001, hitting .329 with 16 home runs. “I just went out with a clear head, Jiad some talks with Coach Tanner and took a different approach,” Jeffcoat said. “I wasn’t shocked, because I knew I could always do it. I had confidence. Baseball’s based on that.” USL signees Charles Lisk and Matthew Campbell were the next to go. Lisk, a catcher from Fort Mill, was taken in the 24th round by the Chicago White Sox. Campbell, a left handed pitcher from Simpsonville, was taken by the Braves in the 39th round. Catcher Tim Whittaker was selected by Toronto in the 38th round. Like Jeffcoat, Whittaker came off the bench to play a vital role in the 2001 team’s success, hitting .294 with 21 homers as well as starting 62 of USC’s 69 games. Note: Senior Lee Gronkiewicz signed a free agent contract with Cleveland. The sports desk can be reached at gamecocksports @ hotmail.com 1 Phillies 2001 MLB First-Year Player Draft South Carolina athletes who were picked with S.C. connection, position, professional team and round number (overall pick). use Gavin Floyd (signee), RHP, Phillies, Rd. 1 (4) Marcus McBeth. OF, Athletics, Rd. 4 (131) Kip Bouknight, RHP, Rockies, Rd. 13 (394) Bryon Jeffcoat, 2B, Braves, Rd. 13(405) Brett Price, LHP, Athletics, Rd. 14(431) Michael Floyd, OF, Phillies, Rd. 22 (650) Charles Lisk (signee), C, White Sox, Rd. 24 (733) Tim Whittaker, C, Blue Jays,Rd. 38(1,141) Matthew Campbell (signee), LHP, Braves, Rd. 39 (1,185) Anderson College David Mattox, RHP, Mets, Rd. 11 (342) Charleston Southern Matt Coenen, LHP, Tigers, Rd. 2 (65) The Citadel Dallas McPherson, 3B/RHP, Angels, Rd. 2 (57) T.W. Mincey, LHP, Orioles, Rd. 12 (353) Philip Hartig.lB, Marlins, Rd. 25 (752) Clemson Josh Burrus (signee), SS, Braves, Rd. 1 (29) Josh Cram, RHP, Giants, Rd. 4(136) Tyler Lumsden (signee), LHP, Marlins, Rd. 5 (152) Patrick Boyd, OF, Rangers, Rd. 7 (201) David Slevin (signee), 2B, Brewers, Rd. 11 (328) Khalil Greene, SS, Cubs,Rd. 14 (408) Steve Reba. RHP, Athletics, Rd. 16(491) Garrick Evans (signee), SS, Blue Jays, Rd. 23 (691) Nick Glaser, RHP, Phillies, Rd. 35(1,040) Bart Hunton (signee), C, Reds, Rd. 46 (1,375) Collin Mahoney (signee), C, Angels, Rd. 48 (1,423) Coastal Carolina Scott Sturkie, RHP Indians, Rd. 12 (367) Limestone College Rick Zary, RHP, Royals, Rd. 25 (745) Spartanburg Methodist Robert White, LHP, Tigers, Rd. 39 (1,167) Winthrop Jason Colson, RHP/3B, Blue Jays, Rd. 7 (211) High schools Roscoe Crosby (Union), OF, Royals, Rd. 2 (53)* William Robbins (Lockhart), RHP, Angels, Rd. 24 (719) Brian McFadden (Lake City), OF, Blue Jays, Rd. 36(1,081) Paul Haze res (Carolina Forest), RHP, Astros, Rd. 39(1,166) *Note: Crosby signed with Clemson as a football player Around the SEC ■ Gottfried signs extension TUSCALOOSA, Ala. —Alabama men’s basketball coach Mike Gottfried signed a four-year contract extension. The contract is worth $650, 000 per year. ■ Spurrier recovers after successful surgery GAINESVILLE, Fla. —Florida head football coach Steve Spurrier is recovering after successful back surgery. A bone spur.vyas removed, and a ruptured disc was repaired. ■ LSU kicker wins prize BATON ROUGE — Senior punter Ryan Miles won a home theater system on the game show “The Price is Right.” Miles lost a bedroom set valued at nearly $7,000 by guessing the wrong price on a box of rice. ■ Arkansas fires men’s golf coach FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Golf coach Bill Woodley was fired after 15 years at the helm of Arkansas’ men’s team. Penn State hires Callahan Men’s Basketball Roundup Former USC men’s basketball assistant coach Rick Callahan has been hired as an assistant at Penn State University. Callahan replaces Chuck Swenson, a long-time assistant to head coach Jerry Dunn. Swenson left the Nittany Lions in May. “Fm very excited about Rick Callahan joining our staff,” Dunn said. “He brings a wealth of experience and clout with him and is a high-energy guy who is well respected and connected in college basketball.” Callahan, a member of former head coach Eddie Fogler’s staff, wasn’t retained when USC coach Dave Odom was hired in April following Fogler’s resignation in March. Callahan started his coaching career at Syracuse University under head coach Jim Boeheim in 1980. At Syracuse, he helped guide the Orangemen to four NCAA Tournament appearances. Callahan then went to Wichita State, under then-head coach Eddie Fogler. Fogler and Callahan spent three seasons together at Wichita State before going to Vanderbilt and use. In all, Callahan’s coached nine NCAA Tournament teams and looks to continue the trend, with last year’s Penn State team advancing to the Sweet 16 on its way to a 21-12 record. “I am looking forward to working with Jerry Dunn, whom I’ve known for some time now,” Callahan said. “He is one of the most respected up-and-coming coaches in the country, and I am looking forward to contributing to an already established program on the rise.” Callahan