Zachary Lyon:
Future150 Regional Analyst. Covering high and middle school basketball: NC, SC & VA
Columbia, SC (Future150) -- South Carolina has had losing records the past two seasons, but make no mistake that these teams were competitive each game. A good example of that would be the Gamecocks huge upset over a loaded Kentucky team last season. Frank Martin has a great base to build around with only one senior on this season's team. The Gamecocks seem like they're only one or two elite talents away from being relevant in the SEC again. Enter PJ Dozier (33rd in Future150 rankings) and Chris Silva (43rd).
PJ Dozier: PJ is the type of kid that any program would love to have playing for them. Held offers from UNC, Michigan, Louisville, & Georgetown among many others before committing to the Gamecocks. In our rankings we have him listed as a PG, but once he gets to the next step in his basketball career his unique skill set will allow him to utilize those talents at the one through the three. This is great news for Frank Martin as it's always great to have a kid who can realistically play two or three positions regularly.
Dozier stands at about 6-foot-6 and 195 pounds. Those measurements will frighten the opponents backcourt when watching film and reading scouting reports before taking on the Gamecocks. Not only does he have great measurements, but PJ can really do it all on offense, great ball handling and court vision, can shoot the rock well and can slither his way into the lane witth ease.
His long arms will help him get into the passing lanes on defense but he still needs some work on that end, and that is where Frank Martin will work his magic and make Dozier into a great all-around player before he takes his talents to the NBA. Assuming Sindarius Thornwell stays for his junior season, South Carolina's backcourt will be very fun to watch next season with Dozier, Thornwell, Marcus Stroman and Duane Notice.
Chris Silva: Listed as a PF, Silva stands at 6-foot-8 and roughly 205 pounds. Silva won't have nearly as much impact his freshman year as Dozier will, but will for sure be a great four-year player for the Gamecocks.
I imagine Chris will get a decent amount of minutes next season and spend alot of time in the weight room bulking up, preparing to go against the tough, gritty frontcourt guys in the SEC. Obviously Silva's skill set isn't as complete as PJ's, but the kid is still an elite talent and projected as a high major on our website. Silva's skill set right now consist of a very high motor, great rebounding and great athleticism, he can also step out around ten to twelve feet and hit a jumper but it is still a work in progress.
If you're looking for a comparison, think Marcus Lee at Kentucky, as Silva also has a 6-foot-10 wingspan and can block shots fairly well for a power forward.
Both of these guys will make a positive impact once they arrive in Columbia. If you're a South Carolina fan you may not be smiling now, but you can smile thinking of what the future may hold with more elite talent coming to play in Colonial Life Arena, and being coached by the fiery Frank Martin.
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