Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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NCAA, not NIT, is the goal for Odom and men’s team BY BRAD SENKIW THE GAMECOCK The USC men’s basketball team begins the new season looking to turn last year’s trip to the NIT Finals into an NCAA Tournament bid this time around. The Gameeocks, led by second-year head coach Dave Odom, will rely on an ex perienced frontcourt to dominate oppo nents in the new Carolina Center. After struggling to grasp Coach Odom’s system early last year, the Gamecocks rebounded at the end of the season with a terrific postseason run. Carolina knocked off Ole Miss and Kentucky in the SEC Tournament and came up just short against Alabama in the semifinals. Carolina accepted an NIT bid and took ' care of UNLV and Ball State at home. Then, USC defeated Syracuse in the semi finals at Madison Square Garden in New York City before falling to Memphis in the championship game. Odom expects that postseason success to lead to an exciting season for his team. “We accomplished what we did last year through discipline, hard work, believing in each other and a never-say-die attitude,” Odom said. “We have to realize that those things will not be the same this year un less we make them the same.” Carolina’s starting team this season will be led by senior Tony Kitchings and junior Rolando Howell. Kitchings came on very strong at the end of last season and averaged seven points a game and a team leading 6.2 re bounds. Howell also showcased his ability at the end of last year by averaging 15.5 points and 13 rebounds in the NIT games in New York City. “Rolando Howell, in particular, has dra matically improved his commitment to the game as well as his skills,” Odom said. Senior Marius Petravicius is back for his final season, and he looks healthy and ♦ MEN, SEE PAGE 7 A CAMPUS ATMOSPHCRC WITHOUT THC DORM • State-of-the-art fitness center • Multi-station computer lab • Fax & modem station linked to USC campus • Study area • Two on-site laundry facilities • Swimming pools • Tennis courts • Catering to students • Lounge area • On-site 24 hour maintenance 100 Riverbend Dr. W. Columbia, SC 29169 794-2948 • Fax 794-0017 riverbend@bhmanagement.com ’ The Official Bookstore of USC 1400 Greene St. • Russell House • (803) 777-4160 Basketball season has finally arrived! Gear up for the new Gamecock season right now at the Russell House Bookstore. 7 i L Also Available: ^ • Textbooks • General reading books • School, office and dorm supplies • Grocery and convenience items j Come see us at the games and get all your Gamecock gear!